Riesberg approved as O'Fallon's top administrator

It’s a done deal.

The O’Fallon City Council approved the appointment of Sedalia City Administrator Keith Riesberg to serve as its next top administrator during a meeting Tuesday night. Riesberg submitted his letter of resignation and 30-day notice to Mayor Elaine Horn and the Sedalia City Council on Wednesday. His last day with the city will be Dec. 29.

“It’s nice to have everything finalized to where there is no uncertainty whether it’s coming to fruition,” Riesberg said.

The confirmation also allows Sedalia officials to focus on search and selection of a replacement, he said. Assistant to the City Administrator Brian Koral will serve as the interim city administrator until a new hire is made sometime after February, according to a press release issued by the city Wednesday.

Horn is working to form a selection committee comprised of council members, city staff and members of the public. In coming weeks, the city will post the position with the Missouri Municipal League, International City Mangers Association and other professional organizations. The minimum qualifications for the position include a bachelor’s degree in public administration with a master’s degree preference and five years of experience.
The application deadline is expected to be in mid-January.

Riesberg’s ending annual salary with Sedalia is $83,900. His contract in O’Fallon is for $119,193 a year.

One councilman from the O’Fallon council voted against the appointment of Riesberg and a new police chief over objections to the selection process. The councilman felt the city spent too much money conducting the process.

O’Fallon is Missouri’s seventh largest city with a population of 76,000. Riesberg was hired by the Sedalia City Council in 2005.

Riesberg’s contract in O’Fallon begins Jan. 1.

Horn and the Sedalia City Council will host a reception in honor of Riesberg following their Dec. 21 meeting. The public is invited to attend.