Finance director’s hiring approved; Kim begins new job Monday

Boulder City officially has a new finance director.

City Council gave a 3-0 concurrence vote for City Manager David Fraser’s choice of Hyun Kim.

Councilwoman Peggy Leavitt was not in attendance Councilman Cam Walker excused himself from the vote.

Before being hired, Kim was the town administrator of Afton, Wyoming, where he served the small town of 2,000 people and managed a general fund budget of $2.7 million. Kim will now work with a general fund budget of over $31 million and a population of 15,000.

According to Fraser, the city did a number of phone and in-person interviews with Kim. The city also sent someone down to Afton to talk to his former employees.

Fraser said that Kim was thoroughly vetted and will go a great job at an important position.

“We took this selection very seriously because this is the person we are trusting our money with,” Fraser said. “We have done our due diligence and I think he is the right man for the job.”

Kim replaces Shirley Hughes, who resigned in July to become city administrator in Liberty, South Carolina. When she left, Hughes’ annual salary and benefits were $186,320.

Kim’s annual salary will be $127,174, according to Bryce Bolt, city administrator.

Fraser said Kim’s management skills and his relationship with staff were key in his decision.

“We went down to Afton and we talked to the people he has worked for and we talked to his staff,” Fraser said. “Kim has great management skills and a great staff in his department.”

Kim did not say much at the meeting and gave a brief introduction.

“I am really thankful for this opportunity and really thankful to be working with a great staff that will help Boulder City reach its financial goals.”

Kim also jokingly said he would not be bringing his snow blower from Wyoming to Nevada.

Mayor Rod Woodbury said he was very happy with Fraser’s decision, but cautioned the public to temper its expectations when Kim first starts the job.

“He brings a really different skill set to the table and we like that,” Woodbury said. “But there is always a learning curve with this job as there is with any job. I would ask that you not have to high expectations immediately.”

Kim’s first day as finance director is Monday.

Contact reporter Max Lancaster at mlancaster @bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9401. Follow him on Twitter @MLancasterBCR.