City of Connell sees staff vacancies as new Mayor, Council elected

December 3, 2025

By: Katherine Trowbridge

As the new council and mayor are set to come into office in January of 2026, Connell City Hall has seen two big vacancies.

The first, was the letting go of Public Works Director Hallie Tuck, in November. City staff shared that this position has been temporarily filled by Tyson Steele.

Mayor Lee Barrow added, "The position was temporarily filled until the new administration decides what to do from here." The mayor did add that the city is up to a full staff in public works.

The other vacancy is that of Connell's City Administrator. Cathleen Koch quietly left the city on Monday, Dec. 1.

Mayor Barrow shared, "All indications showed she would be let go or, at least, the mayor would be pressured to let her go at the first of the year."

Mayor Barrow stated it was a "separation form service on good terms" as she chose to leave and he allowed her to, on her own terms.

Mayor Barrow expressed they will not seek to post positions or make any hires at this time. "It wouldn't be fair to hie now. It's best to let the new mayor and council make those decisions," he said.