Town Manager

Jacob Ihrie was appointed as the Town Manager of Albion August 23, 2021, but he was well acquainted with the town prior to his appointment. Jacob was raised in Albion and graduated from Central Noble in 2010. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served until 2016. Upon separation from the Navy, Jacob spent three years in Bloomington to earn his bachelor of science in public affairs from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Jacob then went on to earn his master of urban and regional planning degree from Ball State. During his time pursuing his education, he worked in public transportation, community development, and as a research assistant for rural community development. Jacob is married and has one daughter.

The Town Manager is the person responsible for handling the day-to-day operations for the Town of Albion. leads a dedicated staff working to improve the community for the residents and to ensure success for many local businesses. Experience in project management, fundraising, economic development, community building and grant writing are integral to success. Willingness to listen to the community, embrace change and tackle big projects are really helpful in this role.  

In addition to duties of the Town Manager, the Town Manager also serves in a variety of roles as an appointee of the Town Council.

Indiana Code Generally Defines the Duties of a Town Manager

The Town Manager is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of the Town Council.

1. shall attend the meetings of the legislative body and recommend actions the manager considers advisable;

2. shall hire town employees according to the pay schedules and standards fixed by the legislative body or by statute;

3. shall suspend, discharge, remove, or transfer town employees, if necessary for the welfare of the town;

4. may delegate any of the manager's powers to an employee responsible to the manager;

5. shall administer and enforce all ordinances, orders, and resolutions of the legislative body;

6. shall see that all statutes that are required to be administered by the legislative body or a town officer subject to the control of the legislative body are faithfully administered;

7. shall prepare budget estimates and submit them to the legislative body when required;

8. shall execute contracts on behalf of the town for materials, supplies, services, or improvements, after the completion of the appropriations, notice, and competitive bidding required by statute; and

9. may receive service of summons on behalf of the town.

Town Ordinance Further Defines the Duties of the Town Manager

1. Shall administer and oversee the enforcement of all ordinances, orders, and resolutions of the Town Council.

2. Shall see that all statutes that are required to be administered by the Town Council or a town officer subject to the control of the Town Council are faithfully administered.

3. Shall work with department heads and the Clerk-Treasurer in the budget process and shall present to the Council recommendations for a balanced budget for the upcoming year. The Town Manager shall furthermore attend, with the Clerk-Treasurer, all required hearings and/or workshops relating to the budget process.

4. Shall execute contracts on behalf of the town for materials, supplies, services, or improvements after the completion of the appropriations, notice, and competitive bidding required by statute.

5. May receive service of summons on behalf of the town.

6. Serve as the staff to the Town Council.  Research issues and policies as directed by the Town Council.  Suggest to the Town Council ways to improve service delivery to the tax payers with an emphasis on savings in the delivery of said services.  Suggest better, more efficient ways of conducting business.  Work with the department heads to assist in the resolution of issues.  Set up meeting room prior to meetings.

7. Insure the policies and directives of the Town Council are followed.

8. Maintain board appointment lists and advise the Council President and/or the appropriate appointing authority of any vacancies or reappointments needed.  Ascertain and interview potential candidates for said appointments at the direction of the Council President and/or the appropriate appointing authority.

9. Maintain and revise 5, 10, and 15 year capital and equipment plans.

10. Supervise, review, and monitor adequate and proper insurance coverage for town buildings, equipment and liabilities

11. Oversee the Albion Sidewalk Program.

12. Oversee and update the CEDIT Plan of the town.

13. Work with the Utility Supervisor and the Town Engineer on CSO compliance.

14. Oversee OSHA's plans, logs, and confirm compliance with OSHA's plans.

15. Finally, the Town Manager shall have immediate authority and responsibility with regard to the following items:

16. Research and investigate, through interaction with the state and special agencies, to aid in the acquisition of available grants to promote the continued growth of the town, including but not limited to IDEM, INDOT, DNR, IACT, Region 3-A, and Indiana Northeast Development.

17. Aid department heads by listening to matters brought by citizens in an attempt to resolve those matters with the department head, if possible, prior to a Council meeting or present them to the Town Council for review.

18. Report in writing the activities of the Town Manager to the Town Council at its regular meeting.

19. To perform such other responsibilities as the Town Council shall designate.