The city manager is hired to serve the City Council and the community of New Hope. The city manager is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the City Council. The manager makes policy recommendations to the Council for consideration and final decision. Council members and residents count on the city manager to provide complete and objective information about local operations, discuss the pros and cons of alternatives, and assess the long-term consequences of decisions.
The city manager:
- Prepares a budget for the Council's consideration and oversees financial operations.
- Serves as the City Council's chief advisor and carries out the Council's policies.
- Oversees day-to-day operation of the city.
- Recruits, hires and supervises city staff.
Reece Bertholf began as New Hope's City Manager in June 2023.
Bertholf previously served as the deputy city manager for the City of Beaufort, South Carolina. He began his career with the City of Beaufort in 2001, serving in many roles, including a firefighter, lieutenant, battalion supervisor, and fire chief within the fire department. Bertholf also held the assistant city manager position before becoming deputy city manager.
Bertholf holds a bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina in business administration, a Master of Business Administration from the Citadel Graduate School, and a certificate in public leadership from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
City Manager Annual Goals
Each year, the New Hope City Manager and New Hope City Council define and prioritize the policies, goals and performance objectives jointly determined as necessary for the operation of the city.
The goals typically focus on redevelopment and code enforcement, conducting elections, infrastructure and environmental improvement projects, parks and recreation programs and facilities, public safety and community engagement, financial matters, technology improvements, communication and public participation.
The city's 2023 goals and priorities can be found below.