City Manager

The City Manager serves as the Chief Administrative Officer in Fairmont’s Council-Manager form of Government. Appointed by City Council for an indefinite term, they shall be responsible to the Council for the administration of all city affairs placed in their charge by or under the City Charter.

The City of Fairmont’s 10th and current City Manager is Travis L. Blosser. At the direction of the City Council, Mr. Blosser provides leadership to all City staff. Mr. Blosser oversees the daily operations of the city. In addition to day-to-day management, Mr. Blosser, under the direction of City Council, develops annual operating budgets, plans long term capital improvement projects, and oversees project development and project execution.

Mr. Blosser got his start in local government when he was elected to Fairmont City Council in 2012. He then served as the City Manager for both Shinnston and Weirton prior to joining the West Virginia Municipal League as its Executive Director. Through those positions, he’s gained a unique insight into municipal operations and managing complex systems — including partnerships with local, regional, and federal partners.

Mr. Blosser believes strongly that regular communication with local businesses and residents is essential to good government and maintains an open-door policy. If you ever have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact his office.

Duties

  • Appoints all city employees and administers personnel policy
  • Attends all council meetings, takes part in discussion, but does not vote
  • Directs and supervises the administration of all departments
  • Keeps Council fully advised as to the financial condition and future needs of the City
  • Makes and submits to Council other reports as required, concerning the operation of the City
  • Performs other duties specified in the City Charter or required by Council
  • Prepares and mails to each Council member a proposed agenda of the next regular council meeting
  • Prepares and submits the annual budget and capital plan to Council
  • Proposes personnel rules to Council for adoption
  • Sees that all laws, charter provisions and acts of council are enforced
  • Submits, to Council, a fiscal year ending annual report

History

The City of Fairmont has had ten City Managers since the new form of government was established in 1976:

  • 1977-1979           Richard J. Bowen
  • 1980-1986           Edwin C. Daley
  • 1987-1988           Michael E. Solomon
  • 1988-1996           Edwin J. Thorne
  • 1997-2007           E. Bruce McDaniel
  • 2008-2009           James W. Snider
  • 2009-2015           Jay I. Rogers III
  • 2015-2018           Robin I. Gomez
  • 2019-2023           Valerie A. Means
  • 2024-Present      Travis L. Blosser
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State of the City Address 

In 2025, the City of Fairmont established the annual tradition of the State of the City Address.

This address provides an update on the status of Fairmont, its local government, upcoming projects, and an insight into the philosophy and rationale of City leadership. The video above is a recording of the most recent State of the City Address.

Click here for a playlist of all our State of the City Addresses