NORTH OGDEN -- North Ogden's city manager is one of six people vying for the county manager position in La Plata County, Colorado.
When Ed Dickie became city manager in January 2008, he committed to stay with the city for at least three years.
Dickie interviewed Tuesday and will undergo more interviews today for the position, which would include a significant pay raise as well as an increase in responsibilities.
He would manage 400 employees, compared with the 50-plus he manages in North Ogden.
Dickie said in a Tuesday phone interview from Durango, Colo., the county's largest city, that he believes he's at a point in his career where he wants to see what else is available.
He said he has rejected two job offers since he started in North Ogden, one because he hadn't been in North Ogden for three years and the other because it wasn't the job he wanted.
"I have been in North Ogden for four years, and it may be four more. ... I may not get offered the job, and I may not take it," Dickie said.
He and his wife are from Southern Utah, and although Dickie has enjoyed North Ogden, he said he wouldn't mind getting back to the southern area.
LaPlata County is in southwestern Colorado.
Dickie also said it is not uncommon for a city manager to seek other positions quite regularly.
Mayor Richard Harris said he knew of Dickie's prospects and has mixed feelings about his leaving North Ogden.
"He has been extremely good for North Ogden, so I knew it would be a matter of time because of his talent," Harris said, adding that he wants what is best for Dickie and his family.
"He has a very pleasing personality and works well with the staff," Harris said.
Harris knows the political atmosphere in the city has been quite contentious during the past several months and said he knows that has frustrated Dickie, but he doesn't think that is the main reason for his job search.
"His talents qualify him for larger cities," Harris said.
Three new members will join the city council in January, but Harris said he doesn't think there has been any intent to get rid of Dickie once the new members start.
Newly elected Councilman Justin Fawson agrees, saying he doesn't speak for the other new members but he likes Dickie and thinks he does a good job.
"I would hate to see him go," Fawson said.
He doesn't hold Dickie responsible for the contention in the city.
"My understanding is, the city manager acts on the wishes of the mayor and council, and that's what he has done to the best of his ability," Fawson said.
Dickie currently earns $90,786 annually with North Ogden, and the new position would nearly double that.
But Dickie said money isn't the biggest factor leading him to further his career; he is more interested in what is best for his family.
Dickie doesn't know when the decision will be made, and Sarah Jacobson, office manager for the administration in La Plata County, said no announcement has been made there.
Dickie was quick to point out that the interview process for La Plata County doesn't mean he has the job or that he will be leaving North Ogden yet.
"I'm up against some heavy hitters."
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