St. Joseph City Commissioners have voted to appoint City Engineer Tim Zebell to the position of assistant city manager.

At the city commission’s regular meeting on Monday, new City Manager Emily Hackworth recommended Zebell for the post, which she occupied before being hired as city manager. Hackworth said she’s excited to elevate Zebell.

“He is as knowledgeable as anyone can be about engineering and infrastructure and the city of St. Joseph, and he’s as passionate and caring as anyone can be about our infrastructure in the city of St. Joseph,” Hackworth said.

Hackworth said Zebell will remain the city engineer while advising her and taking over for her when she’s absent. He won’t be responsible for any direct reports to commissioners to ensure his plate doesn’t get too full.

Zebell told us taking the appointment helps align things at city hall.

“We want to bring up our young people and the assistant city engineer — and he also is the GIS CMMS coordinator — Alex Austin, is very capable,” Zebell said. “To me, this kind of forces that progression. In another five to seven years, God willing, I’ll be retiring, and I think that this helps with that transition.”

Zebell said Hackworth approached him about the position. He believes the appointment will come with a pay increase, but he didn’t know what that will be.

Commissioner Michelle Binkley said she’s as excited as Hackworth to name Zebell assistant city manager, while Commissioner Michael Sarola called Zebell a “super sound choice.”