The city Board of Directors has selected a new city administrator to replace David Cameron.
Following an executive session last week, directors unanimously voted to offer the position to Phillip Patterson of Longmont, Colo. He was one of three final applicants who applied for the position.
Directors voted to offer the position with a salary of $115,000 and benefits that are consistent with the current city administrator. Relocation expenses were also offered, but shall not exceed $13,000 or actual expenses.
Director Bob Coleman said that Patterson was selected over the other final candidates because of he has a "considerable amount of experience in city administration and economic development."
"He's got a good reputation in both economic development and city administration and that's what we're looking for," Coleman said.
Director Judy Nation said she voted in favor of Patterson because he had a very strong presence, was very knowledgeable and confident.
"He had taken the time to visit with Meredith (Bergstrom at Main Street Siloam Springs), and the Chamber of Commerce," she said. "He even took time to check out our parks and he had read stories that were in the paper. I think he'll do a good job."
Patterson has until Monday, Dec. 22, to accept the offer, said director Ken Krafft.
If Patterson accepts, he will be given 30 to 45 days to relocate.
The Herald-Leader reached out to Patterson, who said he had just received the information that he was selected as city administrator and that he just "needs time to process" the information before he will comment.
Because David Cameron's last day as city administrator is Dec. 31, the Board of Directors selected community services director Don Clark, as interim city administrator, which is effective Jan. 1, 2015.
The appointment will continue until the new city administrator accepts and assumes the position.
Patterson has worked in city government since 1990. He began his career as as the planning and zoning director for the city of Maumelle and in 2001, while working as director over planning and zoning, he took a role as interim city manager of Maumelle.
In 2002, Patterson moved to Lafayette, Colo., where he accepted as job as planning manager. He was promoted to director of planning and zoning in 2005.
After a promotion in 2009, he became the assistant city administrator and community development director of the city of Lafayette.
Patterson has a masters of arts in urban and regional planning and a bachelor of arts in geography.
General News on 12/21/2014