Welch retires and City searches for new City Administrator

Welch retires and City searches for new City Administrator

The Mayor and City of Olney employees celebrated the City Administrator Neal Welch’s retirement Friday, Aug. 27, at City Hall. The Assistant Administrator Arpegea Pagsuberon invited the community to join the City in good wishes for Neal and Jana “on their new retirement adventure together.”

Welch has more than 44 years of collective experience as a public servant, having served previously as a public works director for the City of Sanger. Welch replaced the prior administrator Jan. 1, 2019. During Welch’s tenure with the City, he made many changes he believed would move the City forward.

While reflecting on his role as the City Administrator, Welch said he and his wife Jana decided a while ago that he would retire to enjoy retirement together.

“When we first decided we were going to pull the plug on my career, we thought about where God wanted us to move to be involved in ministry,” Neal said. Jana chimed in, stating, “God will use you wherever you are.” The couple believes Olney has provided them with the opportunity to pour into the lives of others, and they plan to remain here for a few years.

You can learn more about Neal and Jana in the “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” series in an upcoming issue of Olney Enterprise.

With Welch’s position vacate, the City Council immediately began their search for a replacement. Pagsuberon said the mayor confirmed that they have had more than seven applicants as of Aug. 17 and have a consistent stream of more applications rolling in daily.

“The [City Administrator] position can be found posted on Texas Municipal League (TML), Indeed, and LinkedIn and will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.”

With a plethora of responsibilities, the City must navigate through the hiring process carefully to ensure they select the right candidate for the job. According to the posted job position, some of the general qualifications require candidates to “possess a solid administrative background, good people and communications skills, understand city finance and budget processes, and handle the multiple roles and duties of a City Administrator. The successful candidate will be proficient in finance, human resources, general management, and technology, including Windows and Microsoft Office, and have a solid understanding of the operations of Home Rule municipalities. In addition, the successful candidate will be comfortable living and working in a rural setting.”

Also, candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or management and a minimum of “two years’ progressively responsible experience in public administration or a related field; or eight years of progressively responsible experience in Public Administration or related field may be considered in lieu of educational attainment.”

For those interested in applying for the job, send your résumé, cover letter, reference list, address and email address to the City of Olney, ATTN: Mayor, P.O. Box 546, Olney, TX 76374. You may also email the required documents to mayor@cityofolneytx.com or drop off the information at City Hall at 201 E. Main Street.