Water Utility Manager Resigns After Less Than a Year

ROGERS — Craig Noble, general manager of Rogers Water Utilities, resigned Friday following a 45-minute executive session of the Waterworks and Sewer Commission.

Commissioners met in two previous executive sessions the last two months to discuss personnel matters. They reported no decisions were made and the subject of the meetings weren't announced. Arkansas law allows executive sessions for discussion of personnel matters, and no report is required if no action is taken.

The commission oversees operation of the utilities.

Don Kendall, commission chairman, refused Friday to say if the previous executive sessions were connected with Noble.

“I’m not going to comment on this issue. I don’t think it would be appropriate to make a comment,” Kendall said. The remainder of the commissioners deferred to Kendall and had no comment.

Commissioners met Friday without Noble, who stayed in his office. Toward the end of the session, Kendall asked Noble to join commissioners. A few minutes later, Kendall allowed others into the meeting room and announced Noble had offered his resignation and commissioners had accepted.

Noble’s last day is July 4.

“I’m moving on to new fields,” Noble said. He refused to elaborate.

“I do want to stress that Rogers ratepayers are fortunate to have such great people working at the utility. I don’t think some ratepayers know the asset they have in the water utility plant and staff,” Noble said.

Noble was with the utility for less than a year. He was hired in August following a four-month national search to replace Tom McAlister, who had served as superintendent for more than 27 years. Noble’s salary was set at $144,972 a year, which includes benefits.

Noble was previously general manager of City Corporation, the water and sewer utility at Russellville, a position he had held since 2003.

Rogers commissioners approved giving Noble $10,000 in moving expenses with the caveat he would repay the money if he didn’t stay in the position a full year.

The question of repayment wasn't discussed at Friday’s meeting.

Jim Clark, deputy city attorney, said it's his understanding the $10,000 was never paid to Noble. Kendall couldn't be reached late Friday afternoon to confirm whether Noble received the moving expense money.

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