Aurora’s current interim city manager, Jason Batchelor, is the finalist for the permanent city manager position, city councilmembers announced. 

Batchelor has held the interim city manager position since April, when Jim Twombly retired from the position. 

Councilmembers said they’re confident in Batchelor’s leadership, experience and successful performance during his tenure at the city, according to a news release announcing his movement into the finalist position after an interview.

Aurora’s city manager is responsible for the city’s budget, preparing and recommending the budget to council for consideration, ensuring the policy direction set by the mayor and council is carried out, and overseeing the city’s day-to-day operations.

The city has a $1.3 billion budget and over 3,400 full-time employees, according to the news release.

Batchelor has worked for the city of Aurora for over 15 years, serving as the budget officer, finance director and deputy city manager. He has served as interim city manager twice in the past several years and has led many significant projects for the city, according to the release.

He also has experience overseeing various Aurora departments, including departments focused on planning and development, development assistance, information technology and public safety. 

Prior to working for the city, Batchelor graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1996 and holds master’s degrees in engineering and public administration from the University of Texas. 

The appointment of the city manager requires a majority vote of city council, which is scheduled to take place at an upcoming regular council meeting. 

State open meetings law requires that the city make the finalist for the position public no later than 14 days prior to appointing or employing a finalist to fill the position.