North Las Vegas City Council hires new city manager

After months of staff cuts and budget Band-Aids, some new blood has been added in the city of North Las Vegas.

City officials on Wednesday swore in Timothy R. Hacker as the city manager.

Hacker replaces outgoing Acting City Manager Maryann Ustick, and on Sept. 21, the City Council lauded her efforts during her nearly six-year stint with the city.

The City Council approved Hacker's open-ended contract, which includes an annual salary of $180,000 and a benefits package comparable to what the city provides department directors, according to a statement by the city.

Councilwoman Anita Wood was the only opposing vote Wednesday. She disagreed with the manner in which Hacker was hired, she said, adding that the city didn't advertise the position or interview other candidates.

Hacker is slated to begin his duties this week. Ustick is to take a post as city manager in Destin, Fla., soon.

Hacker was most recently city manager in Mesquite and has 22 years of local government experience. He has a master's degree in public administration from Southern Illinois University and a bachelor's degree in community and regional planning from Iowa State University.

In other business at Wednesday's City Council meeting, council members voted down an item to clarify and ratify the City of North Las Vegas Fire Department's Transport Policy.

In August, the council approved a part of the Budget Reduction Plan IV that included revenue enhancements, including an estimated $600,000 for the fire department providing transport services for Delta-level calls and motor vehicle accidents. The provision was for a six-month period.

The plan would adjust the fire department's partnership with MedicWest Ambulance-Las Vegas, a private emergency service, and add the number of ambulance trips to medical centers, and subsequent added revenue, per day.

The City Council voted 3-2 against ratifying the plan into an ordinance. The dual transportation system will remain at current strength, and transport will continue to be assessed based on the best interest of the patient, North Las Vegas Fire Department Fire Chief Al Gillespie said.

Contact North Las Vegas and Centennial View reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@viewnews.com or 477-3839.