Lebanon leader selected as St. Joseph city manager

The city of Lebanon's city administrator since 2018 has been selected for the St. Joseph city manager job, a role in which outgoing Springfield administrator Jason Gage was a finalist.

The St. Joseph municipality announced in a news release this week the selection of Mike Schumacher as city manager. Pending the execution of a contract on Jan. 6, Schumacher is slated to start Jan. 21 with a salary of $190,000.

“Mike exhibited all the qualifications City Council members were looking for in a candidate," St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale said in the release. “Council is looking forward to supporting his efforts in leading our organization, and the difference he will make in the community. I am confident he will excel in this role.”

Schumacher is succeeding Bryan Carter, who stepped down as St. Joseph’s city manager in September.

In an open letter to Lebanon residents announcing his selection for the St. Joseph role, Schumacher said achievements during his tenure included the implementation of a public safety sales tax, expanded and improved parks, and the launch of comprehensive Lebanon Plan 2040.

"While I am excited about this new chapter, leaving Lebanon is incredibly difficult because of the deep connections I have formed here and the unwavering support from this community," Schumacher said in the letter.

Schumacher said via email that the Lebanon municipality would have a closed session on Dec. 23 to discuss search plans for his successor.

Gage, who is scheduled to exit his job as Springfield's city manager on Jan. 11, 2025, after announcing his resignation in October, was one of four finalists for the St. Joseph job along with Schumacher and administrators in Virginia and Texas, according to past reporting.

Springfield City Council voted this week to appoint Deputy City Manager Collin Quigley as interim city manager.