Sunland Park hires new interim city manager

After a heated discussion, the Sunland Park city council hired a new interim city manager on Tuesday.

The council voted four to three to temporarily hire Bob Gallagher. But some argued with a short term contract, the city wouldn’t be getting its moneys worth.

Gallagher is a Santa Fe businessman, and former New Mexico State University regent. He has previous experience as a city manager in Jal and Hobbs.

Council votedlast nightto pay him $56,000 for six months, working two weeks per month.

Councilor Sergio Carrillo was against the hire, arguing Gallagher shouldn’t be getting full time pay for part time work. But Mayor Javier Perea said the city needs quality individuals and because of that hes willing to pay quality salary.

Sunland Park has been without a full-time city manager for a year now, after firing Vernon Wilson one year ago.