Newly appointed city manager Neil Krutz took the oath of office at Monday’s Sparks City Council meeting after beginning the job March 15.
Krutz took over for former city manager Steve Driscoll who retired after 25 years of city service.
“I’m excited to begin this new chapter,” said Krutz, who has served as assistant city manager since April 2016. “I will miss working with outgoing city manager Steve Driscoll and wish him the absolute best in his retirement.”
Krutz began his Sparks career in the design and construction division of the public works department and has served many roles for the city during his 21 plus year tenure, including 19 years in management of land use, infrastructure, utilities and development. He is experienced in multiple forms of public finance administration including tax increment, local improvement district, sales tax anticipated revenue bonding programs and impact fee program creation and administration.
Krutz is a credentialed manager through the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and is licensed to practice Civil Engineering in both Nevada and California. He is a three-time graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno having received Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degrees.
Krutz says he is committed to carrying out the City Council’s vision of Sparks being the city of choice for residents, businesses and visitors and is proud of all that is happening in Sparks.
“We are experiencing phenomenal growth including new homes, apartments, businesses and retail,” he said. “Sparks is a great place to live, work and play and I’m looking forward to working with our excellent staff to continue the momentum.”
Krutz said his first order of business will be to steer the city’s fiscal year 2020 budget to successful adoption by the Sparks City Council and will also focus on employee engagement and succession planning.
“My personal beliefs are capped with two mantras,” Krutz said. “Always be truthful and treat people how you want to be treated. I believe staying true to these beliefs will help me to manage the city of Sparks successfully.”
The Sparks City Council confirmed Mayor Ron Smith’s appointment of Krutz on February 25 and approved his employment agreement for a yearly salary of $223,100.80.