SILOAM SPRINGS -- The city is in search of a city administrator to take over for David Cameron, who resigned Thursday during a special session.
Cameron has been the city administrator since October 2004.
The Board of Directors approved his resignation effective Dec. 31 with a 5-0 vote. City Directors Dennis Brown and Brad Burns were absent.
"Thank you for a job well done," City Director Judy Nation said.
Before his resignation, Cameron was on medical leave for 40 days. He returned to work Thursday.
"I couldn't just sit on FMLA and collect money and then leave -- it's ethically wrong," Cameron said. "I made the decision, I went to my doctor and I knew I was ready."
His choice to resign was a hard one, he said, but it was important to invite fresh ideas into the city under new leadership.
"I don't want to live with regret, and I needed to let go and let someone else have the opportunity to lead the city -- there are still more opportunities out there and more work to be done," Cameron said.
While on leave, Cameron had time to reflect on his career and family, which was a big factor in his resignation.
"I want you all to know that there was not any pressure from the board and this was solely his decision," said Mayor John Turner.
While the board didn't pressure Cameron to resign, it did have some influence on his decision, he said.
"For me, I like to deal with things differently versus how the new board deals with things," Cameron said. "Board members have specific objectives, and I didn't want it to be difficult between me and the board or me and the community."
State Desk on 09/02/2014