At a May 7 Pagosa Springs Town Council meeting, Town Manager David Harris stood for a six-month evaluation, per his employment contract approved in October 2023.
Harris officially took the helm in his current position as town manager in November 2023.
The council’s evaluation of Harris’ job performance — so far — was positive, with most members of the council highlighting his willingness and ability to immerse himself into the community and engage with various community stakeholders.
Harris and the council reserved the right to have the evaluation in an executive session, but both opted to hold it openly during the public meeting.
Council member Leonard Martinez kicked off the evaluation, commenting that Harris has successfully “integrated” himself into the community.
“It’s not easy to come into a small town or a smaller community, not really having any hardwire connections. So, in that regard ... that’s an area where you’ve been masterful, reaching out to people even when they say no, for however many times,” he said.
He added, “I see your fingerprints on a lot of things that I think are very positive.”
However, Martinez suggested that he wants Harris to “assert” himself a little more with staff when engaged in problem solving, but admitted that it might take longer than six months until he’s comfortable being more assertive.
Council member Gary Williams agreed with much of what Martinez said, adding, “I think you’ve done a very nice job of working quickly to integrate in the community, and I think that’s a very important part of all of our jobs — to be present so we can sense what the [community’s] needs are and how we can meet those needs.”
Council member Madeline Bergon commented that Harris’ style of management is different from previous town manager Andrea Phillips’.
She added she wanted to make sure that, during the transition, he continues to check in with town staff to make sure “their needs” are being met.
“In general ... organizations work well when there’s clear guidance and clear support,” she said, recommending that Harris continue to gauge his staff’s needs to see if they “need anything more or less from you.”
Council member Mat deGraaf noted that he was originally skeptical of Harris’ candidacy.
“You came to our little town with a big-city resume, and that was something that was concerning to me. In the past, we’ve seen individuals like that coming into our town thinking they’ve got all the solutions because they came from a place that’s ‘seen it all,” he said.
He continued, “I greatly appreciate the way that you have, like has been said, integrated into the community. I don’t feel like you brought with you an agenda ... to like ‘fix’ all of our problems, but you’ve done a wonderful job with listening ... and to try to understand our unique problems, and I appreciate that.”
Council member Matt DeGuise said that during “no time” in the last six months, since Harris took the job, had he “second guessed” the council’s decision to choose Harris for the position.
Harris told the council that he appreciated “all of the warmth you have extended,” both at the meeting and over the last six months since he’s been in his position.
derek@pagosasun.com
