Dateline: July 31, 2008

Aldermen hire interim city administrator

Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

A new interim administrator warned Clarendon officials of tough decisions ahead as they begin the process of climbing out of a financial hole.

Phyllis Jeffers with the Texas First Group was hired by the Board of Aldermen during a called session Monday morning and went to work immediately.

“Right now you’re in a tight timetable, and some things are going to have to be addressed right away,” she said. “Just from what I’ve seen so far, you’re going to have some very difficult decisions to make at budget time.”

Earlier this month, city officials said rising expenses – particularly for fuel and supplies – were outpacing revenues, and the board was forced to move $132,000 into the general fund from a certificate of deposit in order to pay the bills.

Mayor Mark White said Jeffers will be “looking at the budget and everything” to help the city deal with the problem.

“There is work ahead of us,” said Jeffers, who spent 23 years working with the City of Pampa, including holding the positions of City Secretary and Director of Human Resources and Community Services. “The rate of inflation is rising, and expenses are going up just like at our homes. The city is going to have to look at everything and maybe reprioritize.”

The Texas First Group, which is comprised of retired and former municipal administrators, will be paid $30 per hour plus mileage for Jeffers’ services. She will be at City Hall three days a week and attend all city meetings.

Last Tuesday, Kerry Sweatt, who also works for the Texas First Group, addressed the board in its regular session about his firm’s services.

“We’re here to help you do two things,” Sweatt said. “See if you’re ready to go back to city administrator. And see if we can save you money.”

Sweatt also said attention needs to focus on finances.

“Frankly, your ox is in the ditch, and you’re at budget time,” Sweatt said.

Former Clarendon city administrator Sean Pate recommended the Texas First Group to City Secretary Linda Smith after she called him concerned about the city’s finances.

At last week’s meeting, Smith raised concerns about the city’s debt load and reminded aldermen of the need to maintain a three-month financial reserve.

“We all realize what a crunch we’re in,” Mayor White said.