This week's headlines

Delta city manager Joe Kerby has been offered a job as the county manager of La Plata County. Kerby said Tuesday morning he is giving the offer serious consideration, although it's "gut wrenching" to consider leaving Delta before a number of "excellent projects," including the alternate truck route, have been brought to fruition.

Kerby said contract negotiations are currently underway and are probably a week away from resolution. "It all depends on the contract," he said of his decision to stay or go.

The main selling points, he said, are a "significant" increase in compensation, the size of the organization and the desirability of Durango, the county seat.

He added that he was not actively looking for the job, and he has no other applications out. It was simply an opportunity that came up and because the pay is so much greater, he felt he should take a serious look. He said he does not expect the City of Delta to try to match the offer.

The Durango Herald announced last week that Kerby was the unanimous choice of La Plata County commissioners, who brought five finalists to Durango for interviews and a meet-and-greet.

Bobby Lieb, chairman of the La Plata County Board of Commissioners, is quoted as saying he believes Kerby will fit well with the community.

Kerby has served as Delta city manager since April 2010. He previously was the deputy county manager in Douglas County, Montrose County manager and city manager in Iola, Kan.

Kerby accepted the position in Delta in part because it brought him closer to family members in Montrose, said Mayor Mary Cooper. "I'm sure that's still a factor in his decision," she said.

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