The Morgantown City Council has taken significant steps to enhance its administrative capabilities by finalizing the acquisition of the historic Easton Roller Mill property from the Monongalia County Historical Society and appointing Jamie Miller as the new city manager. The decision to hire Miller was made during a special meeting on Wednesday, where the council unanimously supported her appointment.
Jamie Miller, currently serving as the city manager in Paris, Kentucky, is set to bring her expertise to Morgantown by late June. Paris, located in Bourbon County, is home to over 10,000 residents and operates with a budget of $12.3 million. Miller’s transition will follow a 60-day notice period to the Paris City Council. Her selection as Morgantown’s city manager marks a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to permanently assume this position in the city, following several interim appointments, the latest of which was held by Emily Muzzarelli.
Miller emerged as one of three finalists who participated in in-person interviews, but the status of Assistant City Manager Emily Muzzarelli as a finalist was not confirmed. Miller’s professional background includes roles as deputy city manager and interim city manager in Port Orange, Florida, a city with a population of 65,000. Her recent candidacy for similar positions in Manhattan, Kansas, and Davenport, Iowa underscores her experience and dedication to public service.
As articulated in a press release, Miller emphasizes the importance of building relationships to foster economic growth and is eager to collaborate with Morgantown’s community and stakeholders to ensure the city’s progress. Her educational credentials include a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Stetson University and a master’s in industrial and organizational psychology from the University of Central Florida.
Mayor Joe-Abu-Ghannam expressed enthusiasm about Miller’s appointment, highlighting her passion for public service and her commitment to forging collaborative partnerships, which are seen as pivotal to Morgantown’s future development.
Community Impact
Miller’s appointment as city manager is expected to have a substantial impact on Morgantown’s development and community engagement. Her focus on cultivating relationships with local stakeholders and fostering economic growth aligns with the city’s goals to improve public services and infrastructure. Her leadership could lead to enhanced community programs, improved service delivery, and a more inclusive approach to governance, benefiting both residents and local businesses.
The acquisition of the Easton Roller Mill property represents a cultural and historical milestone for Morgantown, providing opportunities for heritage preservation and tourism development. This move could enhance the city’s cultural landscape and serve as a catalyst for further investments in local attractions and amenities.