Benson commissioners hired a new town manager Tuesday night.
He is Matthew Zapp, town administrator of Madison Village, Ohio. Madison Village is a town slightly smaller than Benson in terms of population and town government, and Benson commissioners said Zapp is a good fit.
"Mr. Zapp was really a standout," Commissioner Fred Nelson said, noting Zapp's experience recruiting new jobs to Madison Village. "The board wants the next town manager to really have a hands-on approach to economic development."
Earlier this year, Zapp helped land a lawn-mower factory for the town, which is expected to bring about 20 or so high-paying jobs, he said.
Zapp is scheduled to start on Aug. 2. He replaces Keith Langdon, who is retiring June 30 after decades as town manager. Town Planner Braston Newton will serve as interim manager in July.
Zapp will have a salary of $70,000, plus an education stipend of $5,000 per year for tuition as he completes his master's degree in public administration.
Read a full profile about Zapp in next week's Herald.
