TRENTON — Ron Phelps never set out to be Trenton's city manager when he took the job on an interim basis in July.

        But while council was searching for a permanent manager, Mr. Phelps found that he enjoyed leading the day-to-day operations of this growing Butler County city. So when the manager search was restarted, Mr. Phelps jumped into the running.

        The job became his permanently last month.

        “The job was a challenge that really put the wind back in my sails,” said Mr. Phelps, a 15-year Trenton employee and the city's service director for the last five.

Phelps

        “I enjoyed it.”

        The Butler County native replaced longtime City Manager Mel Ruder, who retired. Mr. Phelps, 49, makes $62,500 annually.

        “I think Ron has shown that he deserves an opportunity to be full-time city manager instead of an interim,” Mayor Roy Wilham said. “He pretty much knows how we work. I think one of his real attributes is his ability to get along with people, both the employees and the citizens of Trenton.”

        Initially, the new city manager wants to focus on communications, economic development and preparing for an extension of Ohio 63, which would give Trenton access to Interstate 75 and could fuel the city's growth.

        “We're looking at the future as far as the (extension),” Mr. Phelps said. “We want to achieve a balance of growth.”

        He also wants to unify a staff that has seen turnover in three of its top positions in recent months.

        Rodney Hale was recently appointed police chief and Patrick Binns is the city's new attorney.

        “There's going to be a better exchange of information between council, myself and staff,” Mr. Phelps said. “I think that's vital. Anyone who has a good idea should let that idea be known.”

        Mr. Phelps wants to conduct surveys of residents to learn what they like about the city and what should be reviewed and changed.

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