By Adam Stewart
Hutchinson Tribune Staff
HUTCHINSON—The Hutchinson City Council filled the five-day-old vacancy in the city manager’s office with a familiar face Monday afternoon, appointing Gary Meagher to the role he served in for about eight months in 2022.
Following a 20-minute closed executive session to discuss personnel, Councilman Greg Fast moved to approve appointing Meagher as interim city manager. Councilwoman Stacy Goss seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
“The City of Hutchinson has an experienced and dedicated team of professionals who remain focused on serving our community,” Mayor Scott Meggers said. “Gary brings a tremendous amount of local government experience and familiarity with Hutchinson, and we are confident in his ability to help lead the organization during this transition.”
The city manager position became vacant on Wednesday, Sept. 9, when then-City Manager Enrico Villegas resigned effective immediately, along with former City Attorney Cody Smith.
“Thank you for this appointment,” Meagher told the council. “I’m ready to get to work.”
Meagher has lived in Hutchinson since 2010. He was the Reno County administrator from 2009 until his retirement at the end of 2019. He first joined the City of Hutchinson in May 2022 as interim city manager
Following Monday’s special meeting, Meagher said he had most recently been doing consulting for Finney County, and before that, he served as Finney County’s interim county administrator for about eight months in 2025.
He said his first priorities in the job are to get up to speed with the council, city staff and community partners. Meagher said he doesn’t want to be just a caretaker, but to move things forward for the city. He said he has familiarized himself with recent decisions made by the council and city staff about the 2027 budget, saying they made tough but good choices.
The Hutchinson City Council will meet for its regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at City Hall, 125 E. Ave. B.