Matt Wirt Named Sedalia City Administrator

After a one-hour closed door session Monday night, the Sedalia City Council and Mayor Andrew Dawson announced that Matt Wirt will be the new City Administrator, effective immediately.

Wirt, who has served as assistant city administrator since December of 2023, spoke with KSIS following the announcement.

“I really want to focus on infrastructure and growth, and making sure that our infrastructure follows our growth, and working a lot towards development in the community, and improvements,” Wirt said.

Wirt previously served as Sedalia’s Police Chief before switching careers and becoming assistant city administrator, serving under former City Administrator Kelvin Shaw, who is now project manager for Sedalia.

When asked about the change, Wirt said his five years of work as police chief has similarities to working as a city administrator.

“Well, you know, law enforcement is all about helping the community and working for a better community. City administration is not that much different. Your role is different, you know, going from law enforcement as a police officer, investigations, and even police chief, but again, that role is to focus on making a difference in your community. So, the job, showing up every day, has the same goal and the same end result. It���s just sitting in a different chair with a different title, and working with different people. But you know, a lot of the team that I worked with in law enforcement is the same team I work with now, and I’m proud to serve with them in either capacity,” Wirt said.

Wirt added that he looks forward to working with other communities and different projects, and be a positive role model for other cities.

Wirt has worked for the City of Sedalia for a total of 25 years.

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“Matthew is a natural leader who combines strength with compassion and unwavering integrity,” said Mayor Andrew Dawson in a press release issued Monday night. “He has a deep commitment to the people of Sedalia and understands the needs of our community. We are confident he will work effectively with City Council to carry out its policies and priorities while ensuring that daily operations run smoothly and responsibly.”

As City Administrator, Wirt will oversee all municipal departments and operations, manage the annual budget, and ensure that the vision and policies established by the City Council are implemented effectively. His appointment follows a thorough and community-focused interview process that included department tours, public presentations, and extensive engagement with City leadership and residents.

At this time, the City does not plan to fill the Assistant City Administrator position.