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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Raymond A. Beck, City Manager - (573) 874-6338

Statement from City Manager Raymond A. Beck regarding director of
Planning and Development Department

COLUMBIA, MO (January 7, 2005) -- On Oct. 7, 2004, I assigned Mr. Bill
Watkins, assistant city manager, to additional duties as the acting
director of the Planning and Development Department.

The screening committee I have worked with feels quite strongly and I
concur that no candidate we have interviewed to date would best meet the
needs of our city. It was also the committee's opinion that we should
defer re-advertising the position for sometime after the first of this
year.

Mr. Watkins has agreed to continue his additional duties as acting
director of the Planning and Development Department. To assist with Mr.
Watkins' workload as assistant city manager, I have temporarily
assigned some of his responsibilities to Ms. Paula Hertwig Hopkins,
assistant city manager. I also will add some responsibility to our
current management intern, who is assisting Mr. Watkins.

Additionally, the City Council approved an increase in pay range for
the Planning and Development director from $69,426 to $94,761.

I anticipate it may take at least four to six months to fill the
position on a permanent basis. Advertising will begin in January or
early February. I also plan to confer with several firms that I
personally know to learn of possible candidates.

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