With the threat of another election to change SeaTac's form of government looming over them and the city reeling from multiple controversies, SeaTac lawmakers have decided to hold off on seeking a permanent city manager.

In a special meeting Feb. 5, council members voted unanimously to retain Todd Cutts as interim city manager. Cutts indicated he would appoint an interim assistant manager from among the city's existing staff to help him with his workload.

Cutts was promoted to acting city manager in October after City Manager Craig Ward was suspended and removed from his duties. Cutts was assistant city manager and had originally come to the city as economic development director.

Councilwoman Pam Fernald reminded the council of numerous controversies over the past year, including cost overruns on a fire station, the removal of Ward and a condemnation action against a parking lot next to the airport light-rail station. The condemnation was rescinded in January.

"A lot of flux has gone on but things are starting to come together," Fernald said. "Todd has soldiered through this. Why change horses in the middle of the stream?

SeaTac resident Earl Gipson warned lawmakers at the start of the meeting that he will sponsor another resolution calling for SeaTac to change to an elected mayor form of government. That would eliminate the city manager as the city's top administrator. A similar measure failed by 9 votes in the November election.

"To be blunt, I have a feeling no one would take the (city manager) job on a permanent basis if the form of government may change in two years," Mayor Terry Anderson said.