Polson City Manager Ed Meece submitted his resignation to the city and commission on Wednesday, April 15, effective in 30 days, as he accepts a position as city administrator in Cheney, Wash.  

Meece explained that this is an opportunity for him and his wife, Karen, to move closer to their family in Washington. He also describes it as a great opportunity to continue working in local government. 

“It took a lot of prayer and deliberation on my part. Obviously, the difficult part is leaving this community,” Meece said.  

He added it’s been a blessing to work with “a really great team” at the City of Polson. Meece said Cheney is another great community, and he looks forward to working with their team.  

The Cheney City Council unanimously approved Meece for the role on Tuesday, April 14, according to the Cheney Free Press.  

“It’s hard to leave Polson behind,” Meece said.  

While the city manager position comes with a significant severance package, it does not apply if the manager terminates the contract.  

Meece previously served as the city manager of Livingston, and after serving as the city of Bozeman’s parking program manager, he signed with Polson in 2020. Prior to that, he served as a municipal executive in Bardstown, Ky., and Taylor Mill, Ky., and served as an assistant director of Public Works in Louisville.   

Meece holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Eastern Kentucky University, with a Master of Public Administration from Northern Kentucky University. During his time with Polson, he has also been a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the City of Polson Fire Department.  

Mayor Laura Dever described the move as “a fantastic opportunity” for Meece and his wife, and said it makes perfect sense to be closer to their family.  

“I wish him all the best, and I thank him for all he’s done in the last six years as city manager,” Dever said. 

Dever noted that Meece has done a great job at staffing the city's administration, and she believes the team is in a good place. She said she isn’t worried about the transition and believes the city will get through it.  

The city commission will hold a special meeting on Thursday, April 23, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss hiring an interim city manager as well as a consultant to recruit the next city manager. Dever said they will also discuss whether the interim hire will be internal or external.