Colon hires first village manager

Municipal officials made history last week when they hired Colon’s first village manager.
Michael “Mitch” Mitchell was offered the full-time position during the village council’s regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday. A Niles native, Mitchell has government experience in five Michigan communities and most recently worked as a real estate agent in Hillsdale County.
The 47-year-old Mitchell started work Wednesday, a hit-the-ground-running situation that village president Diane Downs said appealed to the interview committee.
Mitchell has worked previously in Roscommon, Leslie, Jonesville, Hillsdale and New Buffalo. In all, he said he has 17 years of municipal experience.
Mitchell’s salary is $50,000 annually and he is bound to a one-year contract. He will also have a village-issued cell phone and computer, as well as an office space inside village hall.
Downs said Mitchell will be subject to a job review in six months and, pending the results of the review, he will be given a $5,000 raise. The posted salary was $45,000 to $60,000.
The position drew 14 applicants.