Aldermen begin search for new administrator

The Clarendon Board of Aldermen has begun the search for a fulltime city administrator and is interviewing candidates.

The board met in closed session for more than an hour and a half in a called meeting last Tuesday to discuss the position.

No action was taken when the board reconvened in open session, but a member of the board of aldermen says the city is beginning to interview candidates for the job this week.

Another closed session on the subject was on the agenda for the September 23 regular meeting.

Clarendon has been without a city administrator since Sean Pate resigned from the job in July 2005. Facing financial difficulties earlier this summer, Aldermen hired Phyllis Jeffers to serve as interim city administrator in July of this year.

In other city business last week, aldermen held another public hearing on the city’s proposed tax rate for 2008-2009. No one showed up to comment on the proposed rate of $0.65 per $100 valuation, which is an increase from the current rate of $0.500289. The new rate would raise the taxes on a $50,000 by $74.86. The increase on an average home in the city would be $55.58.

Aldermen also discussed proposed changes to city personnel policies. Interim Administrator Phyllis Jeffers said most things stayed the same with the exception of sick leave, which will accrue eight hours per month and can be carried over. Jeffers also recommended the city start alcohol testing especially with CDL drivers, which she said is called for by DOT regulations. The board approved the personnel policies.