Siloam Springs Offers Administrator Job

SILOAM SPRINGS -- The city's board has selected an administrator to replace David Cameron.

Following an executive session last week, directors unanimously voted to offer the position to Phillip Patterson of Longmont, Colo. He was one of three finalists applying for the position.

Directors voted to offer the position with a salary of $115,000 and benefits consistent with Cameron's. Moving expenses were also offered, but won't exceed $13,000.

Director Bob Coleman said Patterson was selected over the other finalists because of he has a "considerable amount of experience in city administration and economic development."

"He's got a good reputation in both economic development and city administration and that's what we're looking for," Coleman said.

Director Judy Nation said she voted in favor of Patterson because he had a strong presence, was very knowledgeable and confident.

"He had taken the time to visit with Meredith (Bergstrom at Main Street Siloam Springs), and the Chamber of Commerce," she said. "He even took time to check out our parks and he had read stories that were in the paper. I think he'll do a good job."

Patterson has until Monday to accept the offer, said director Ken Krafft.

If Patterson accepts, he will be given 45 days to move.

Patterson, who said he just learned he was selected and he "needs time to process" the information before commenting.

Because Cameron's last day is Dec. 31, directors selected community services director Don Clark, as interim administrator, effective Jan. 1.

The appointment will continue until the new administrator assumes the position.

Patterson has worked in city government since 1990. He began his career as as the planning and zoning director for Maumelle and in 2001, while working as director over planning and zoning, he was interim city manager of Maumelle.

In 2002, Patterson moved to Lafayette, Colo., where he accepted as job as planning manager. He was promoted to director of planning and zoning in 2005.

After a promotion in 2009, he became the assistant city administrator and community development director of Lafayette.

Patterson has a masters degree in urban and regional planning and a bachelor's in geography.