The city of Greeley has initiated the search for a new public works director following the departure of Paul Trombino on December 1. Trombino, who held the position for four years, previously served as the director and Homeland Security advisor for the state of Iowa. His tenure in Greeley was marked by significant infrastructure projects, including the Greeley-Weld County Airport improvement project and the Mobility Expansion for Regional Growth and Equity (MERGE) program.
During his time in office, Trombino played a crucial role in advancing various city initiatives, including the upcoming Catalyst project, which is set to face a citywide vote regarding a zoning ordinance approved by the city council earlier this year. Acting City Manager Brian McBroom expressed gratitude for Trombino’s contributions, highlighting his technical expertise and leadership in daily operations. “Paul Trombino has been a tremendous asset to the city,” McBroom stated.
Trombino also initiated plans for new stormwater improvements, a projected $500 million investment aimed at addressing aging infrastructure and enhancing the city’s capacity to manage storm events. Additionally, he was instrumental in recruiting Alquist 3D, a company specializing in 3D printing for construction, which is collaborating with the Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity on the Hope Springs project.
At the time of his departure, Trombino’s salary was $228,800, as noted by Greeley Public Information Officer Kim Kappel. The city has not disclosed the reasons behind his departure, citing it as a personnel matter.
Search for a Successor and Future Plans
The city’s job posting indicates that the new public works director will be tasked with managing ongoing large-scale projects and securing necessary funding while ensuring effective communication with various city departments. The anticipated salary range for this position is between $161,900 and $198,350, with a potential maximum salary of $234,800, contingent upon the candidate’s experience. According to 2024 census data, the median income for Greeley residents is approximately $76,462.
Greeley aims to expedite the hiring of a new director to maintain the momentum established by Trombino, opting not to appoint an interim director during the transition. The city’s deputy public works director, Will Jones, is set to take on the role of public works director in Loveland starting January 12.
In addition to this search, Greeley is actively looking for a new city manager following the resignation of Raymond Lee, who has been named the next city administrator of Portland, Oregon. The dual transitions within the city’s leadership reflect a significant period of change as Greeley continues to focus on its infrastructure and community development goals.
