Dockery takes reins at City Hall

David Dockery started his new duties as Clarendon’s city administrator this week and has been busy familiarizing himself with the community.

The administrator and his wife moved into their new home here last week, and Dockery then began his work on Monday, spending the day meeting with the mayor, city secretary, and public works director.

“I’m impressed with the progress the city has made on projects and the dedication of the council and staff as they continue that,” Dockery said.

While he’s still learning about the city, Dockery says he hopes to have a public forum at some point in order to let residents ask questions about the city and get feedback as to what citizens want from the city.

One project that the city has been exploring is a grant application for several water-related improvements, including the possible installation of new electronic water meters. Dockery said he thinks that should become a priority for the city.

“We’re spending too many man hours reading meters, and there’s a more effective and efficient way to do that,” he said. “Electronic meters would give us perhaps 20 percent more accuracy and 25 percent more productivity.”

The net result for the city, he said, would be reduced fuel and vehicle expenses, more productivity, and ultimate more services for the citizens.

Dockery said other issues are being looked at and he looks forward to learning the direction the council and the community want to go.