Andrea Smith

BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG – Ogdensburg’s new city council has appointed Andrea Smith as interim City Manager until July and agreed to hire a consultant to begin searching for a permanent replacement.

Following an executive session the city also agreed to hire John Krol, a former Ogdensburg City Manager, to assist with a search for a new city manager.

Krol has done the same for the City of Watertown on multiple occasions.

Ogdensburg Mayor Michael Tooley said he was appreciative that the city could contract with Krol for the assistance.

Meanwhile City Planner Andrea Smith will continue to lead the city, which has been without a permanent city manager for months. The last three city managers hired by the city either resigned or retired before the end of their terms.

Over the years Smith has served as interim city manager on multiple occasions and has helped the city navigate though difficult budget seasons.

She’s been serving in the position since July after Mohadine Buharie resigned the position. She did the same when former City Manager Stephen Jellie cut ties with the city.

Smith will receive a stipend of $9,000 per month while filling in on top of her planning duties.

Although there were discussions of naming Smith as permanent city manager in the past, she does not reside within the city limits, which is required according to the city charter.

Prior to being named mayor, Tooley asked former councilors on several occasions about plans to fill the vacancy.

Former Mayor Jeffrey Skelly told North Country This Week he believed it was more appropriate to let the new council select the next city administration rather than appoint a replacement with just months left on their terms.