Wyandotte Appoints Its First City Administrator

For the first time in the city’s history, there’s now someone in charge of running its day-to-day operations.

Todd Drysdale, the city’s director of financial and administrative services, was appointed city administrator at Monday night's City Council meeting.

Mayor Joseph Peterson made the recommendation, saying it’s something that officials have discussed for years, but never acted on till now.

“I truly believe that the operations of a local municipality have become so complex that the lack of this leadership position within the city is hindering our progress as an organization,” Peterson wrote in a letter to city officials.

City Council members voted 5-0 in support of Drysdale, who has worked for the city for 14 years. Councilwoman Sheri Sutherby-Fricke was absent.

Councilman Daniel Galeski called Drysdale “an excellent choice.”

“I think this position is long overdue,” Galeski said.

Councilman Todd Browning urged his colleagues to realize the importance of the position and to always respect and support the person holding the title.

“I feel that Mr. Drysdale is more than deserving of this position,” Browning said. “His qualifications are certainly deserving.”

Peterson said the change in job titles will not increase Drysdale’s $103,000 annual salary, which some council members said was essential due to the city’s

“All department heads have taken on new responsibilities,” councilman James DeSana said. “I don’t see anyone getting a pay raise. I hope they will be able to maintain what they currently earn.”

Peterson agreed, saying Drysdale has already done many of the tasks associated with city administrator in his role as director of financial and administrative services. In his new position, Drysdale will continue to oversee the city's finances in addition to his new city administrator responsibilities.

"He is one of the most qualified individuals in the state," Peterson said. "Wyandotte is very lucky to have a Todd Drysdale."

Drysdale has a master's degree in public administration and is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Peterson said.

While city administrators typically report strictly to the mayor, Peterson purposely changed the resolution so that Drysdale will report both to the mayor and city council.

"I wanted the transparency in government to go across the board," Peterson said. "It made sense for him to have to answer to all of us."

Peterson called the appointment a “monumental moment” in the city’s history and said he’s proud that it was made under his administration.

“I believe this position will give us some direction,” he said.

Drysdale was not at Monday night’s council meeting and could not be reached for comment.