Dateline: June 30, 2005

Pate leaving city job

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Clarendon City Administrator Sean Pate will resign next month to take a position as manager of the City of Poteet.

Pate confirmed his decision to the Enterprise Monday morning and formally announced his resignation during Tuesday night’s meeting of the board of aldermen. He will stay on until July 28.

The move means a significant salary increase for Pate. Poteet has agreed to pay him $55,000 per year plus benefits for him and his family. Clarendon currently pays him $35,900.

“I just don’t think I can pass it up,” Pate said. “Obviously this isn’t a political move; it’s a professional move for my family.”

The administrator said he had not sought the Poteet position but learned of it through a fellow city administrator. The Poteet council interviewed him by phone and hired him over the phone. He visited the city, located 20 miles south of San Antonio, over the weekend.

Pate, who has held his current position since June 2003 said he intends to wrap up his business in Clarendon before leaving – getting the street paving underway and beginning the 2005-2006 budget process – and said he will be available if the city needs him.

“I’m not quitting Clarendon,” Pate said. “I’m just moving on. My phone will always be available, and I can help out on my own time if they need me.”

Mayor Tex Selvidge said he hates to see Pate leave but understands that a man has to take care of his family.

“I think he’s done a lot here,” Selvidge said. “I think some were against hiring an administrator, and he’s overcome that.”

Pate said he’s been impressed by the people of Clarendon and is grateful for the chance the city gave him.

“I have always tried to be fair,” he said. “I have respect for everyone in Clarendon, and I thank the board for giving me this opportunity.”

Selvidge said any decision about replacing Pate would have to be decided by the board of aldermen.

“We’ll just have to discuss it at the table,” he said.