City Manager Kurt Althouse
City Manager Kurt Althouse is the chief executive officer and public safety director, responsible for the day-to-day operations of a complex municipal organization serving a residential population of 15,000 across 12.39 square miles. The City organization retains a robust bond rating of Aa2, annual all funds budget of approximately $64 million, hundreds of millions of dollars of assets, and full-time workforce of 244 full-time equivalent employees. Mr. Althouse’s leadership team executes the policy directives of the Vandalia City Council including the day-to-day operations of police, fire, emergency medical services, and dispatch; treatment of water and wastewater; maintenance of 87 miles of water mains, 74 miles of sanitary sewers, and 78 miles of storm sewers; public works and street construction; economic development, building and zoning, planning, and engineering services; administration of four collective bargaining agreements with three labor unions; and community enrichment through the Vandalia Recreation Center, Senior Center, Cassel Hills Golf Course, and numerous parks. As the City’s chief executive, Mr. Althouse ensures that all laws and ordinances are enforced, he appoints and removes all directors and subordinate employees in the classified and unclassified service, exercises control over all administrative departments and divisions, and advises Council as to the financial condition and needs of the City. Mr. Althouse emphasizes building trust and confidence in professional management. He routinely provides updates to Mayor Richard Herbst and City Council in The Blue Letter.
Assistant City Manager Rob Cron
The assistant city manager acts on behalf of the city manager in his absence, working closely with him in all aspects of the municipal operation. Primarily responsible for planning and economic development, he performs a variety of supervisory, administrative, and professional work in the implementation of community development plans, programs, and services.
Communication Manager Rich Hopkins
The communication manager is responsible for producing and distributing information to the citizens of Vandalia. The communication manager writes the "At the Crossroads" newsletter and contributes to the CommUNITY newsletter shared by Vandalia, Butler Township and the Vandalia Butler Schools. The position is responsible for managing many of Vandalia's social media sites, and is an administrator for the City's web site. The communication manager is responsible for writing and producing the weekly television program "Focus: Vandalia " and writing and distributing press releases and coordinating coverage by the local media.
Executive Assistant / Deputy Clerk of Council Angela Swartz
The Executive Assistant / Deputy Clerk of Council is under the direction of the City Manager. She performs a wide variety of highly responsible, complex, and professional duties involved in providing administrative support to the City Manager’s Office and City Council. She plans, coordinates, and participates in various programs and administrative operations and activities including those having a City-wide impact. She coordinates assigned activities with City departments, outside agencies, and the public.
Law Director Jerry McDonald
The city attorney provides legal consultation, litigation, legal approval of documents, legal advice on questions of law and procedures, and written opinions on city-related matters as well as representation on other city matters.