Claremore hires new city manager

CLAREMORE, Okla. - Members of the Claremore City Council on Monday night unanimously approved the hiring of Jim Thomas to fill the position being vacated by Daryl Golbek.

Golbek, a 28-year employee of the city, tendered his resignation in August after serving in the capacity for almost two years, having been appointed as the interim city manager in October 2010 and then the permanent, in 2011.

In his letter, he said he wanted return to only serving as the public works superintendent as he had been serving before his appointment to the city manager positions.

Golbek's resignation is effective Nov. 26, Thomas' first day on the job.

According to city officials, Thomas brings to the position experience being city manager in many states, among them being Utah, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the latter being his most recent post.

City spokesperson Cassie Wood said the Brigham Young University graduate bears much experience in collective bargaining, useful in forming contracts with local unions such as with the police and fire, and economic development, an area where Claremore has been struggling for some time, she said.