News Summary

Cayce, South Carolina has appointed Michael Conley as the new City Manager, making him the city’s third manager in the last 12 months amidst leadership instability. The City Council voted 3-1 in favor, with some concerns raised over the council’s hiring practices and internal conflicts. Conley, who previously served as Deputy City Manager, is expected to address challenges related to employee retention and improve communication within the council and with residents.

Cayce Appoints Michael Conley as New City Manager Amidst High Turnover and Internal Dissension

Cayce, South Carolina, has appointed Michael Conley as its new City Manager, marking a significant leadership change in the city. This appointment makes Conley the city’s third manager in just the past 12 months, indicating a period of instability within the local government.

The City Council voted 3-1 in favor of Conley’s appointment on Wednesday, with Mayor Elise Partin casting the only dissenting vote. Despite her vote against the appointment, Partin expressed her support for Conley as a suitable choice for the role, while also acknowledging the merits of other candidates considered during the selection process.

Prior to his new role, Conley served as the Deputy City Manager under Jim Crosland, who announced his retirement earlier this month. Crosland’s departure adds to the list of high-profile exits from Cayce’s leadership, which also includes two police chiefs and the city’s finance director in recent months. This wave of turnover has raised concerns regarding the city’s stability and overall employee morale.

The previous city manager, Tracy Hegler, left in July 2024 after six years of service. She was succeeded by Crosland, who held the position for a brief tenure before his retirement. Crosland had an annual salary of $160,000 and a $6,000 car allowance. He is set to take on the role of Town Administrator in Irmo, further highlighting the continuous shifts in leadership in Cayce.

Concerns Over Leadership Instability

Ongoing turnover in Cayce’s leadership positions has intensified scrutiny from community members regarding the effectiveness and transparency of the City Council. There has been notable criticism regarding the Council’s hiring practices, especially concerning the appointment of Conley. Mayor Partin has expressed a desire for more public discussions regarding such decisions, indicative of a growing demand for transparency in local governance.

Conflicts have also emerged within the City Council, including allegations of misconduct and a lack of cooperation among council members. These internal tensions contribute to the perception of a toxic culture within city governance, as highlighted by various stakeholders who have noted issues of communication and trust among council members.

Employee Retention and Morale

The recent upheaval within the city administration has placed a spotlight on critical issues related to employee retention and pay equity. Budget discussions have revealed concerns about potential layoffs if issues surrounding staff salaries are not adequately addressed. Many employees fear repercussions if the council does not take action to improve their compensation and job security.

In the wake of these challenges, Conley is expected to focus on fostering a more collaborative environment within the City Council and enhancing communication with both city employees and residents. His objectives include prioritizing community feedback and ensuring that respectful dialogue becomes a foundational aspect of city governance.

A Path Forward

Michael Conley’s leadership comes at a crucial time for Cayce as it navigates through periods of unrest and uncertainty. By addressing the transparency issues highlighted by Mayor Partin and working to improve the city’s workplace culture, Conley has the potential to instill a renewed sense of hope among residents and city employees alike.

The challenges and expectations facing the new city manager are significant, but they also present an opportunity for positive change. With the community looking on, Conley’s ability to lead effectively in this environment will be critical for the future stability of Cayce’s local government.

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Cayce City Manager Michael Conley Appointed
• The State: Concerns Over Leadership Instability in Cayce
• Southwest Ledger: Jim Crosland Announces Retirement
• Post and Courier: Turmoil at Cayce City Hall
• The State: Cayce City Leadership Transitions
• Wikipedia: Cayce, South Carolina

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