It was a surprise hire, but not a great surprise as former Eufaula City Manager Jacob Foos was rehired as Eufaula’s city manager.
The hiring took place following an executive session at a special meeting on Monday. Ward 2 Councilman Roger Barton and Freeholder Todd Warren were absent.
Monday’s threemember panel, including Mayor James Hickman, Vice Mayor Tisha Morgan and Ward 3 Council Member Evelyn Gulley, voted for the rehire.
This was a two-phase hiring. He was hired as interim-city manager through June 23 at a salary of $60 an hour. On June 23 he becomes city manager, at a salary yet to be determined, pursuant to the finalization of his contract.
Foos resigned in 2021, following a public outcry by a number of people over his management style and countered by a vocal group who supported him.
All voiced excitement about Foos’ return Monday.
Since leaving, Foos has served as Assistant City Manager for the City of Shawnee, which has a population of about 32,000, where he co-managed a $41 million operating budget and $100 million in capital projects while securing more than $12 million in grants.
From Shawnee he went to Dallas, population about 1.3 million, where he served as the city’s Cash and Debt Manager, participating in debt transactions exceeding $1.9 billion.
“We are excited to welcome Mr. Foos back to Eufaula,” said Mayor Hickman. “His prior tenure was marked by sound financial management, strategic infrastructure investments, and forward- thinking leadership that benefitted our residents and visitors. We are confident that his return will bring new momentum to our community’s continued growth.”
Hickman credits all of the major projects now underway or just completed – including the water and sewer and the splash pad – as part of Foos’ strategic planning.
“I think it’s pretty amazing that he had the desire to come back,” he said.
Hickman said the council was looking for the most qualified individual, and based upon Foos’ employment history since leaving, he is the type of person they were seeking.
“He is obviously a great choice. I’m excited. I’m excited for Eufaula,” Gulley said. “He has the ability to put our vision on paper and make it work. He has already proven that.”
Morgan also said she is very lucky he wanted to come back.
“He’s well-qualified,
and he’s willing to listen,” she said.
Foos said he was excited about being back.
“I missed Eufaula, and there is a lot of unfinished business,” he said.
He noted the growth the town has experienced since his departure – new restaurants, the casino now under construction and more.
“Housing has gotten more expensive,” he said.
When he left, he sold the home he was buying here.
“It would cost $50,000 to $70,000 more to buy it back,” he said.
He was city manager of Eufaula from 2018 to 2021, managing dayto- day operations, overseeing more than $11 million in capital improvements, and securing over $3 million in grants and donations.
He helped lead important updates to the city’s planning and zoning codes and supported efforts to boost tourism and economic development.
Foos had been seen around town two weeks ago, which led to speculation that he might be re-hired. The speculation proved to be accurate.
Karen Weldin has been Foos’ strongest supporter since he was first hired and was on hand for his re-hiring.
“He is knowledgeable and gaining in experience. He is a good and intelligent man,” she said.
He says he will focus on “growth, infrastructure and community engagement.”
“I am truly honored to return to Eufaula,” said Foos. “This community means a lot to me, and I am grateful for the chance to work alongside the Mayor and City Council, city staff, and residents, and business owners once again. I am excited to support economic growth, improve our infrastructure, and most importantly make sure that we are listening to and working with the people of Eufaula every step of the way.”
