WEST SILOAM SPRINGS, Okla. -- The Board of Trustees voted to hire Kathy Osbourn as town manager at a recent meeting.
The board also voted to allow Mayor Elaine Carr, Vice Mayor Larry Williams and City Attorney Jot Hartley to negotiate Osbourn's salary and benefits. The salary and benefit package will be discussed by the board Aug. 10.
Nine candidates applied and seven were interviewed during a special meeting July 6.
Hartley said Osbourn also will continue to serve as town clerk, an elected position. Hartley explained Osbourn can hold both positions under Oklahoma law because the town clerk doesn't have a vote on the board, and the town manager is appointed, not elected. If the duties of the positions overlap, the town clerk position will take precedence.
Carr explained West Siloam Springs is growing and has potential for more growth. A town manager is needed to oversee the growth.
The manager's responsibilities include overseeing numerous departments, board, authorities and commissions, reporting the town's financial condition to the board each month and general supervision of department heads.
Osbourn plans to begin work as town manager around Sept. 1.
NW News on 07/27/2017