Ortonville- The village council has unanimously agreed to approve the hiring of John Lyon as the next village manager.
He will start work Aug. 1, pending background and reference check approval.
‘He was the council’s top choice and we extended an offer that he accepted,? said Council President Wayne Wills. ‘I think he will do a fine job.?
The council received 20 applications for the position after current Village Manager Larry Brown announced his decision to retire. The council interviewed six candidates.
Lyon will work 40 hours per week, at a salary of $40,000 per year, with vacation time, a cell phone, and gasoline allowance. He will not receive medical or retirement benefits from the village.
Lyon recently retired from the City of Lapeer after 17 years as their Department of Public Works director.
‘I was not really ready for full retirement,? he said. ‘I’m thankful for this opportunity and challenge until I am ready to retire. My expertise is in water and sewer and I want to take that on and see what we can do with it.?
Lyon, 58, has extensive public sector experience. Prior to his career in Lapeer, Lyon served the City of Inkster as DPW director for four years, and has also served in the same capacity in Tawas City (three years), La Porte, Texas (three years) and Conroe, Texas (five years).
During his time in Texas, Lyon managed several municipal utility districts, running sewer and water operations.
The Marine Corps and Navy veteran has reviewed the village master plan and said he plans to search out funding resources to bring sewers here.
‘I will work very hard for the people of Ortonville and am looking forward to meeting everybody,? said Lyon. ‘Over the years, I had questions for the village and city managers and wondered why they did certain things, now I get to answer those questions myself.?
Lyon is married to Carol, and combined, they have nine children and one grandchild, Makayla.