By Allison Peck
Listen to the full interview on our Kubota Podcast
Ogallala has a new city manager, and Tell Jensen is already getting a crash course in the community.
Jensen has spent his first month on the job working alongside outgoing City Manager Kevin Wilkins, who is staying on as assistant to the city manager during the transition.
Jensen said the first few weeks have been filled with meetings, projects and getting to know the people connected to the city.
“A lot of variety, a lot of tasks, a lot of handing off,” Jensen said. “But it's been awesome.”
Wilkins joked that Jensen has already filled nearly half a notebook with notes as he works to learn the job.
“I didn't know the job was that complicated until he starts writing down everything,” Wilkins said.
Jensen's first month has included multiple City Council meetings, including Tuesday night's regular meeting, as well as budget workshops and hearings.
He said one of the biggest challenges has simply been learning the names, faces and connections throughout the community.
“I can't even — I don't know if I can put a number to them,” Jensen said when asked how many names he has had to learn.
Why Ogallala?
Jensen was selected following a search that included approximately 25 applicants.
Wilkins said the city advertised the position in four states through state city manager associations. A screening committee conducted Zoom interviews before four candidates were invited to Ogallala for in-person interviews. One of those candidates accepted another position before completing the process.
Jensen said he had several other city manager interviews in the works when Ogallala ultimately selected him.
One of the things that drew him to Ogallala was its similarity to his hometown of Burwell.
Jensen said both communities share a Western identity, similar populations and a connection to recreation and community events.
“The Western aspect of both towns, the size of both towns, the community that I see in both sides really had a great comparison,” Jensen said. “To me, this is a larger Burwell.”
Jensen said the opportunity to work with Wilkins during the transition was another major factor.
Ogallala has gone through six city managers in the past 20 years, according to Wilkins, making continuity during the transition particularly important.
Jensen said having an outgoing city manager willing to remain involved was a positive sign when he was considering the position.
“When you see a city manager that's wanting to slowly step down, transition and help you in that role, willing to settle into the community, that's a very good sign,” Jensen said.
For Wilkins, the transition also means beginning to figure out what comes next after his time as city manager.
He said he isn't sure what his next step will be, but he's open to whatever opportunity comes along.
“I don't think I'm done yet, but I just don't know what's next,” Wilkins said.
For now, however, the two city managers are working side-by-side as Jensen continues getting acquainted with Ogallala and the job.