Staff report

Newton Falls village council on Wednesday approved interim Village Manager Kathy King and Assistant Law Director Gary VanBrocklin to begin negotiations with Jeremy Shaffer to be the next village manager.

The Geneva-on-the-Lake resident was one of three finalists out of 15 applicants who sought the position. The other two finalists were Wade Calhoun of Youngstown, who previously served as city manager in Canfield, and former Trumbull County engineer Randy Smith of Warren.

Shaffer, who is director of human resources for the city of Wilmington, was also one of five finalists earlier this year for the Boardman Township administrator position.

Former Girard Safety Service Director Mark Ragozine landed that job.

The Newton Falls position became open when former village manager Jamie Vernaccini stepped down in April after she had served as village manager since September. Vernaccini served as interim village manager for four to five months prior to being named manager and also served as the village’s finance director for 18 months while also serving as interim village manager.

Councilwoman at-Large Julie Stimpert said council liked Shaffer’s background experience and what he has done for Wilmington as well as his military background and being able to work with the local military organizations in Newton Falls.

Stimpert said if negotiations go well a motion will likely appear at the June 17 council meeting for hiring Shaffer.