Marysville, OH - City Manager
CLICK HERE FOR PDF VERSION
INTRODUCTION
The City of Marysville, Ohio is seeking an experienced, engaged, and visionary local government leader with a proven, successful management record and a strong commitment to delivering high quality public services. Marysville is uniquely positioned for continued economic growth as part of the dynamic Central Ohio region while yet poised and prepared to maintain its small-town charm and semi-rural character.
The community seeks a tested and grounded professional who will build upon the City’s recent progress and achievements while also working to protect its natural beauty and its historic built environment. The community has a strong tradition of stable and visionary executive and elected leadership with the current manager retiring after 15 years of service to the City. More information about the City can be found at www.marysvilleohio.org.
THE COMMUNITY
Marysville is the largest municipality within Union County and serves as the county seat.
The City has a proud history dating to its founding in 1819. Marysville has long been a regional transportation hub since its early years serving the agricultural and milling industries throughout the County. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century helped spur additional development attaching the community to larger markets and attracting new industry. The mid-late 20th century saw the emergence of further industrialization with the arrival of new, major employers in the agricultural products and automotive sectors. Marysville is served by its convenient location along U.S. Route 33 with quick and easy access into the suburban and urban centers of Central, Ohio.
The City of Marysville (population ~30,000), consisting of ~18 square miles, has an attractive, Historic Uptown, a regional hospital (Memorial Health), Marysville Public Library and the Union County Fairgrounds. Education is a cornerstone of the community, served by the well-respected Marysville Exempted Village School District offering Pre-K through 12 education to children within the City and supported by specialized training at the Marysville Early College High School.
Marysville benefits from a diverse array of major area industries, including Honda of America, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Nestle, the Transportation Research Center and many others. The City has garnered considerable attention as a center of technology and innovation which is reflected in the City’s growing business ecosystem that is attracting investment in a diverse, sustainable business environment. A prime element in the City’s economic development strategy is the thriving Beta District – one of the fastest growing tech hubs in the U.S. powered by autonomous vehicle technology and smart infrastructure. The District provides dedicated space for user driven innovation and contains within its boundaries the U.S. 33 Smart Mobility Corridor, the Transportation Research Center, and Connected Marysville.
At the core of the community is Historic Uptown Marysville, a thriving, active City center where casual diners, young families, and business professionals in the community gravitate. Among the notable structures in Uptown are the iconic Union County Courthouse, as well as the 250-seat Avalon Theatre. The Historic Uptown hosts a mix of seasonal community activities, such as farmers markets, car shows, concerts, and holiday events.
Marysville exemplifies a traditional, American hometown feel with its quiet tree-lined streets and comfortable, safe neighborhoods. This family-friendly community boasts a community pride and spirit that complements its Midwestern approach to work and play. With a strong extensive network of parks and trails, Marysville offers quick access to a broad array of recreational amenities including a municipal pool, athletic fields, pickleball courts, dog park, splash pad, picnic shelters, fishing, and much more.
Augmenting the City’s particular recreational features, a full array of entertainment, cultural, and social amenities are in abundant supply within a 30-minute drive including professional sports and performing arts venues in downtown Columbus, one of the nation’s most highly-rated zoos, and a dining scene that is the envy of the Midwest.
The City has made major investments in its civic infrastructure with the development of a City Hall and Fire Station complex in Historic Uptown. Marysville has been recognized as a technology leader with its investment in “Connected Marysville” wherein 30+ traffic signals in the City have been upgraded to deliver signal phase, timing data and other safety messages to vehicles. This is complemented by the development of Partners Park, an urban park across from City Hall offering greenspace, splash pad, and Memorial Health Pavilion for community gatherings including the popular monthly “Friday Nights Uptown”. Intentionality around facilities and public space is evident throughout the Historic Uptown area.
CHALLENGES AND PRIORITIES
Using the adopted Strategic plan, elected officials, staff and other community stakeholders have identified some of the key challenges and goals that will be a priority for the next City Manager to evaluate and address. Strategically, Marysville’s next City Manager will be tasked with maintaining positive momentum that helps sustain a healthy tax base, while ensuring that the City remains a family friendly, safe and desirable place to call home that focuses on place-making, historic preservation, and small-town feel.
Residential Growth
Marysville’s desirability as a place to live, work and raise a family is no longer Central Ohio’s best kept secret. Growth pressures will continue due to its high quality of life and diverse housing market, but that growth comes with challenges concerning infrastructure, traffic, school system impacts, and perceived diminishment of quality of life. The City’s recently adopted Community Vision Plan calls for greater focus on design standards, place-making, and adherence to City plans and long-term vision. The next City Manager will be prepared to establish active engagement strategies with residents, developers, elected officials, and staff to ensure that future development is well coordinated and planned and complies with the core strategies identified in the Vision Plan.
Infrastructure
The pace and scope of recent growth and development have placed a significant demand on some of the City’s transportation and utility infrastructure. New investment in old infrastructure in the City’s core, in addition to the outlying growth corridors, will be necessary to ensure development of a safe and efficient thoroughfare system as well as its perpetual maintenance. Improvements to the Five Points intersection as well as East Fifth St., along with repair and maintenance of water and sewer lines and associated utility infrastructure will be vital. The City’s current trail system, at over 20 miles, is a vital community link. Its ongoing maintenance and potential expansion are central to Marysville’s Active Transportation Plan.
Financial Capacity
The City is currently operating with a 1.5% local income tax and has funded municipal services with a particularly lean staff and management structure. The aforementioned growth will continue to generate additional service demands and infrastructure maintenance that will be funded primarily with income tax funds which are limited. The next City Manager will need to focus on scaling infrastructure and services through disciplined fiscal stewardship to ensure Marysville remains a vibrant, fiscally resilient community while maintaining our commitment to long-term taxpayer value. Grantsmanship skills and innovative funding experience in this area will serve the new manager well.
Historic Preservation/Uptown Redevelopment
As the principal city and county seat of Union County, Marysville has evolved as a strong exurban community within the outer orbit of Central Ohio. Active efforts to maintain and improve upon the historic charm of its resurging Historic Uptown business district and neighborhoods will be paramount for the next City Manager. The City’s overall small-town image, cultural heritage, and community feel are interwoven with and mutually benefitted by the vitality of its center core. Past involvement with historic preservation, commercial building reuse, placemaking, and business district marketing and branding will be important attributes for the new manager. The next City Manager will need to be an active, outgoing, and driving force in establishing strong relations with many community organizations that serve Marysville. Elected officials expect their City Manager to be highly visible, accessible, and a committed representative who will engage citizens, business community members, and other committed stakeholders.
ORGANIZATION
Marysville is a full-service municipality offering a broad array of services including:
Marysville operates and maintains its own water distribution and treatment facilities, including an upground reservoir and provides full wastewater collection and treatment services serving areas of Union County. Economic Development services are provided in conjunction with Union County in a jointly funded venture. This collaboration, in conjunction with Marysville’s County-wide utility system, limits over-investment between the City and the County in utility capacity and fosters a cooperative spirit between the two major governmental entities in the County.
The City’s park offerings include over 350 acres of greenspace, pocket parks, and fully developed community parks with the City being recognized as a Tree City USA for 30+ years.
Marysville residents elect seven Councilmembers to staggered four-year terms with four members being elected from wards and three serving at large. From its membership, Council annually elects a Council President and a Vice-President.
The City’s 2026 annual governmental funds operating budget is nearly $51.4 million, with a General Fund budget of $37.5 million and a capital improvement program of nearly $5.8 million. A voter-approved municipal income tax rate of 1.5% generates the largest component of the City’s revenues. Marysville has low municipal debt, strong fund balances, and holds a strong Aa3 municipal bond rating from Moody’s.
Marysville has approximately 280 full-time equivalent employees and maintains productive, professional relationships with its two (2) recognized collective bargaining units.
The community’s safety services are held in high regard and are fully staffed to serve the expanding community from their municipal police and court facility and the City’s two fire stations. The Police Division maintains a staff of nearly 60 career personnel including 24-hour dispatch services, as well as, a variety of community services to include DARE education and School Resource Officers in collaboration with Marysville City Schools. The Fire Division maintains above 50 authorized positions, providing fire, risk reduction, rescue, and paramedic services while maintaining mutual aid partnerships with the surrounding areas.
The Ideal Candidate will:
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
A bachelor’s degree is required for this position and a master’s degree in a related field such as public or business administration is preferred. Candidates should have a minimum of five to eight years of successful local government experience as a City Manager, Assistant City Manager, or service as a key department head of a larger local government.
Significant experience in municipal finance/budgeting, economic development, utilities, public works, and safety services is recommended. The City of Marysville is a full-service community and candidates that bring a broad array of local government management experiences are encouraged to apply for this outstanding career opportunity.
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS & COMPENSATION
Reasonable moving and relocation expenses are negotiable. The selected candidate will be provided a negotiated starting annual salary within an anticipated range of $175,000-$215,000 in addition to a highly competitive benefit package.
All candidates will be subject to a comprehensive background check, drug screen, and employment physical. Ohio is an open records state, and confidentiality of submittals cannot be assured. Marysville, Ohio, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit their cover letter and resume by the close of business on Thursday, April 30, 2026, to the email address listed below. The position will be considered open until filled. Questions regarding this position may also be directed to Mr. Collinsworth:
David Collinsworth – Managing Partner
[email protected]
614-787-4283
CLICK HERE FOR PDF VERSION
INTRODUCTION
The City of Marysville, Ohio is seeking an experienced, engaged, and visionary local government leader with a proven, successful management record and a strong commitment to delivering high quality public services. Marysville is uniquely positioned for continued economic growth as part of the dynamic Central Ohio region while yet poised and prepared to maintain its small-town charm and semi-rural character.
The community seeks a tested and grounded professional who will build upon the City’s recent progress and achievements while also working to protect its natural beauty and its historic built environment. The community has a strong tradition of stable and visionary executive and elected leadership with the current manager retiring after 15 years of service to the City. More information about the City can be found at www.marysvilleohio.org.
THE COMMUNITY
Marysville is the largest municipality within Union County and serves as the county seat.
The City has a proud history dating to its founding in 1819. Marysville has long been a regional transportation hub since its early years serving the agricultural and milling industries throughout the County. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century helped spur additional development attaching the community to larger markets and attracting new industry. The mid-late 20th century saw the emergence of further industrialization with the arrival of new, major employers in the agricultural products and automotive sectors. Marysville is served by its convenient location along U.S. Route 33 with quick and easy access into the suburban and urban centers of Central, Ohio.
The City of Marysville (population ~30,000), consisting of ~18 square miles, has an attractive, Historic Uptown, a regional hospital (Memorial Health), Marysville Public Library and the Union County Fairgrounds. Education is a cornerstone of the community, served by the well-respected Marysville Exempted Village School District offering Pre-K through 12 education to children within the City and supported by specialized training at the Marysville Early College High School.
Marysville benefits from a diverse array of major area industries, including Honda of America, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Nestle, the Transportation Research Center and many others. The City has garnered considerable attention as a center of technology and innovation which is reflected in the City’s growing business ecosystem that is attracting investment in a diverse, sustainable business environment. A prime element in the City’s economic development strategy is the thriving Beta District – one of the fastest growing tech hubs in the U.S. powered by autonomous vehicle technology and smart infrastructure. The District provides dedicated space for user driven innovation and contains within its boundaries the U.S. 33 Smart Mobility Corridor, the Transportation Research Center, and Connected Marysville.
At the core of the community is Historic Uptown Marysville, a thriving, active City center where casual diners, young families, and business professionals in the community gravitate. Among the notable structures in Uptown are the iconic Union County Courthouse, as well as the 250-seat Avalon Theatre. The Historic Uptown hosts a mix of seasonal community activities, such as farmers markets, car shows, concerts, and holiday events.
Marysville exemplifies a traditional, American hometown feel with its quiet tree-lined streets and comfortable, safe neighborhoods. This family-friendly community boasts a community pride and spirit that complements its Midwestern approach to work and play. With a strong extensive network of parks and trails, Marysville offers quick access to a broad array of recreational amenities including a municipal pool, athletic fields, pickleball courts, dog park, splash pad, picnic shelters, fishing, and much more.
Augmenting the City’s particular recreational features, a full array of entertainment, cultural, and social amenities are in abundant supply within a 30-minute drive including professional sports and performing arts venues in downtown Columbus, one of the nation’s most highly-rated zoos, and a dining scene that is the envy of the Midwest.
The City has made major investments in its civic infrastructure with the development of a City Hall and Fire Station complex in Historic Uptown. Marysville has been recognized as a technology leader with its investment in “Connected Marysville” wherein 30+ traffic signals in the City have been upgraded to deliver signal phase, timing data and other safety messages to vehicles. This is complemented by the development of Partners Park, an urban park across from City Hall offering greenspace, splash pad, and Memorial Health Pavilion for community gatherings including the popular monthly “Friday Nights Uptown”. Intentionality around facilities and public space is evident throughout the Historic Uptown area.
CHALLENGES AND PRIORITIES
Using the adopted Strategic plan, elected officials, staff and other community stakeholders have identified some of the key challenges and goals that will be a priority for the next City Manager to evaluate and address. Strategically, Marysville’s next City Manager will be tasked with maintaining positive momentum that helps sustain a healthy tax base, while ensuring that the City remains a family friendly, safe and desirable place to call home that focuses on place-making, historic preservation, and small-town feel.
Residential Growth
Marysville’s desirability as a place to live, work and raise a family is no longer Central Ohio’s best kept secret. Growth pressures will continue due to its high quality of life and diverse housing market, but that growth comes with challenges concerning infrastructure, traffic, school system impacts, and perceived diminishment of quality of life. The City’s recently adopted Community Vision Plan calls for greater focus on design standards, place-making, and adherence to City plans and long-term vision. The next City Manager will be prepared to establish active engagement strategies with residents, developers, elected officials, and staff to ensure that future development is well coordinated and planned and complies with the core strategies identified in the Vision Plan.
Infrastructure
The pace and scope of recent growth and development have placed a significant demand on some of the City’s transportation and utility infrastructure. New investment in old infrastructure in the City’s core, in addition to the outlying growth corridors, will be necessary to ensure development of a safe and efficient thoroughfare system as well as its perpetual maintenance. Improvements to the Five Points intersection as well as East Fifth St., along with repair and maintenance of water and sewer lines and associated utility infrastructure will be vital. The City’s current trail system, at over 20 miles, is a vital community link. Its ongoing maintenance and potential expansion are central to Marysville’s Active Transportation Plan.
Financial Capacity
The City is currently operating with a 1.5% local income tax and has funded municipal services with a particularly lean staff and management structure. The aforementioned growth will continue to generate additional service demands and infrastructure maintenance that will be funded primarily with income tax funds which are limited. The next City Manager will need to focus on scaling infrastructure and services through disciplined fiscal stewardship to ensure Marysville remains a vibrant, fiscally resilient community while maintaining our commitment to long-term taxpayer value. Grantsmanship skills and innovative funding experience in this area will serve the new manager well.
Historic Preservation/Uptown Redevelopment
As the principal city and county seat of Union County, Marysville has evolved as a strong exurban community within the outer orbit of Central Ohio. Active efforts to maintain and improve upon the historic charm of its resurging Historic Uptown business district and neighborhoods will be paramount for the next City Manager. The City’s overall small-town image, cultural heritage, and community feel are interwoven with and mutually benefitted by the vitality of its center core. Past involvement with historic preservation, commercial building reuse, placemaking, and business district marketing and branding will be important attributes for the new manager. The next City Manager will need to be an active, outgoing, and driving force in establishing strong relations with many community organizations that serve Marysville. Elected officials expect their City Manager to be highly visible, accessible, and a committed representative who will engage citizens, business community members, and other committed stakeholders.
ORGANIZATION
Marysville is a full-service municipality offering a broad array of services including:
- Administration
- Economic Development
- Finance/Income Tax
- Fire & EMS
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Parks & Recreation
- Events
- Police
- Streets/Stormwater/Sanitation
- Water
- Wastewater
- Engineering
- Planning & Zoning
Marysville operates and maintains its own water distribution and treatment facilities, including an upground reservoir and provides full wastewater collection and treatment services serving areas of Union County. Economic Development services are provided in conjunction with Union County in a jointly funded venture. This collaboration, in conjunction with Marysville’s County-wide utility system, limits over-investment between the City and the County in utility capacity and fosters a cooperative spirit between the two major governmental entities in the County.
The City’s park offerings include over 350 acres of greenspace, pocket parks, and fully developed community parks with the City being recognized as a Tree City USA for 30+ years.
Marysville residents elect seven Councilmembers to staggered four-year terms with four members being elected from wards and three serving at large. From its membership, Council annually elects a Council President and a Vice-President.
The City’s 2026 annual governmental funds operating budget is nearly $51.4 million, with a General Fund budget of $37.5 million and a capital improvement program of nearly $5.8 million. A voter-approved municipal income tax rate of 1.5% generates the largest component of the City’s revenues. Marysville has low municipal debt, strong fund balances, and holds a strong Aa3 municipal bond rating from Moody’s.
Marysville has approximately 280 full-time equivalent employees and maintains productive, professional relationships with its two (2) recognized collective bargaining units.
The community’s safety services are held in high regard and are fully staffed to serve the expanding community from their municipal police and court facility and the City’s two fire stations. The Police Division maintains a staff of nearly 60 career personnel including 24-hour dispatch services, as well as, a variety of community services to include DARE education and School Resource Officers in collaboration with Marysville City Schools. The Fire Division maintains above 50 authorized positions, providing fire, risk reduction, rescue, and paramedic services while maintaining mutual aid partnerships with the surrounding areas.
The Ideal Candidate will:
- Be an engaged, personable, thoughtful and accessible leader with excellent communications skills who feels at ease speaking to and interacting with groups of all sizes and backgrounds.
- Possess a proven ability to work with and earn the respect and trust of elected leaders, peers, subordinates, and community residents.
- Develop a strong appreciation of the history and traditions of the community they serve while embracing a creative and innovative approach for continued improvement.
- Demonstrate excellent stewardship of taxpayer dollars while recognizing and creating opportunities to leverage public and private sector partnerships for the betterment of the overall community.
- Have the acumen and skillset to navigate complex development issues to ensure well-planned, financially viable and beneficial growth for the City.
- Be a recognized/respected leader of the various City departments and personnel and bring a balanced management style of fairness and firmness to their new position.
- Be strategic in their management approach to establish and articulate clear, achievable goals for the internal operations of the City and will consistently and objectively monitor and hold their subordinates accountable for the anticipated levels of achievement.
- Be transparent in their dealings with the City Council, subordinates, residents, and businesses while always understanding the importance of upholding the City’s reputation for honesty and openness in all its governmental actions.
- Demonstrate a keen interest in and experience with historic preservation strategies and programs.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
A bachelor’s degree is required for this position and a master’s degree in a related field such as public or business administration is preferred. Candidates should have a minimum of five to eight years of successful local government experience as a City Manager, Assistant City Manager, or service as a key department head of a larger local government.
Significant experience in municipal finance/budgeting, economic development, utilities, public works, and safety services is recommended. The City of Marysville is a full-service community and candidates that bring a broad array of local government management experiences are encouraged to apply for this outstanding career opportunity.
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS & COMPENSATION
Reasonable moving and relocation expenses are negotiable. The selected candidate will be provided a negotiated starting annual salary within an anticipated range of $175,000-$215,000 in addition to a highly competitive benefit package.
All candidates will be subject to a comprehensive background check, drug screen, and employment physical. Ohio is an open records state, and confidentiality of submittals cannot be assured. Marysville, Ohio, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit their cover letter and resume by the close of business on Thursday, April 30, 2026, to the email address listed below. The position will be considered open until filled. Questions regarding this position may also be directed to Mr. Collinsworth:
David Collinsworth – Managing Partner
[email protected]
614-787-4283
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