From his Ohio home, new Islamorada Village Manager Ted Yates and his wife packed for the big move to the Keys.
Since the council’s selection in June to make him next manager, Yates has stayed busy not only packing, but also taking phone calls and attending meetings in anticipation of his official Aug. 1. start.
“It’s been a busy first week,” Yates said.
The former Twinsburg, Ohio mayor was selected by the village council in May. Selecting Yates was close to unanimous among the dais, with four council members having him as their top choice for the position. Yates comes to the village with 12 years of experience in Ohio as mayor and chief executive officer. He ran a city of 19,000 residents.
Yates is no stranger to the Keys. Since the 1990s, his family has come to the Keys to enjoy some time on property that his family purchased.
A contract with Yates includes a $200,000 salary, $4,000 housing allowance and $15,000 in moving expenses. With the exception of cost of living increases, there are no salary increases for 18 months. Yates will be offered health insurance benefits for his spouse, eligible children and himself for $125 per pay period. Currently, village employees on the family plan pay close to $900 for health, dental and vision coverage.
