Eudora hires former Lawrence city manager on interim basis

Former Lawrence City Manager Mike Wildgen has a new job.

Wednesday night, the Eudora City Council unanimously voted to hire Wildgen as interim city administrator. He will be paid $2,500 a month and will remain with the city until it finds a permanent administrator.

Wildgen worked for the city of Lawrence for about 32 years — 16 of those as city manager.

Though council member Jeff Peterson said Wildgen could provide guidance in other areas, the primary reason he was hired was to work on the 2010 budget.

“It’s an interesting, challenging time, but it always is for cities at this time of year,” Wildgen said.

Wildgen also is interim director of Watkins Community Museum of History in Lawrence, which is a part-time position. He said he would retain that job.

The council contacted Wildgen after Cheryl Beatty resigned her position as city administrator April 15.