Bixby City Council Accepts Resignation Of City Manager, Appoints Temporary Replacement

Bixby city councilors unanimously voted to accept the resignation of the city manager and appoint a new person to temporarily fill the role. The mayor tells News On 6 the replacement is someone familiar with the city.

In a meeting that lasted less than two minutes, Bixby city councilors unanimously voted to accept the resignation of longtime city manager Jared Cottle. People in town say the change seems abrupt.

“It’s just surprising,” said John Light. “Bixby’s a good town.”

The move comes less than three weeks from when Bixby voters will decide whether to extend an existing penny sales tax. It is a campaign Cottle had been a part of as recently as last week.

The city says it could not give answers on what led to Cottle’s resignation.

“While we understand there may be questions, the City Council does not discuss personnel matters out of respect for all individuals involved,” the city said in a statement.

The council also unanimously voted for former fire chief Joey Wiedel to take over as interim city manager.

“We have to have someone that can keep everything going that’s going on in the City of Bixby,” said Brian Guthrie, Bixby Mayor. “Joey works very well with those around him, he’s a leader, he’ll be great for that position until we find a permanent city manager.”

Guthrie says Wiedel is the right man for the job after 20 years with the city, most recently working as the development services coordinator. The city says applications for a permanent replacement will soon be accepted.