MOORHEAD — Dan Mahli will have the acting title removed from his position in Moorhead City Hall as he was unanimously extended an offer to be the next city manager on Wednesday, Nov. 18.
Mahli and the other finalist, Michael Cramer, of North Carolina, were interviewed by the City Council on Wednesday with the council later meeting and deciding to extend an initial job offer.
The council will meet in executive session at their Monday meeting to finalize the offer and salary, then likely officially name Mahli to the position.
Mahli has been with the city for three years, serving as assistant city manager for more than two years and then taking over the acting role in June when former city manager Chris Volkers accepted a job in the Twin Cities suburb of Oakdale.
In his interview, Mahli emphasized he believed Moorhead was on a roll and building momentum as a growing city despite the challenging times of the pandemic.
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He believed he was the person who could keep things going with the relationships he has built up and familiarity with the issues.
Mahli told The Forum later Wednesday that he had the chance "to live a dream" in the past five months in the acting manager role and was excited to see what can be done in the coming years.
Mayor Johnathan Judd wasn't available for comment, but newly reelected council member Steve Lindaas echoed Mahli's words and said he thought he was the one "to keep the ball rolling."
"He could even be the one to help accelerate the momentum," Lindaas said, especially once the pandemic is under control.
Lindaas said it was "really clear" that they had two good candidates to choose from after the interviews. Originally, 49 people applied for the position.
The public was scheduled to be a part of an in-person interview at the Hjemkomst Center but instead were asked to submit questions before the virtual meeting because of the worsening pandemic conditions and new statewide regulations.
