City Council interviewing candidates for City Secretary

The Olney City Council had a special-called meeting Thursday, Feb. 25, to review profiles for applicants seeking to fill the City secretary position that Tim Houston vacated recently.

City Administrator Neal Welch said they received 24 applications for the City secretary position and accepted applications through Jan. 25. The application process is closed.

During the meeting, the City conducted six telephone interviews, and they are planning to interview three candidates in a follow-up meeting.

There may be some challenges filling the position,” Welch said. “We have had some great candidates apply for the position.”

The minimum job requirements consists of a high school diploma or GED, certification as a Notary Public, increasingly responsible public administration experience including two years of administrative and supervisory experience. Also, the candidate must be certified as a City clerk by the Texas Municipal Clerk Certification Program within five years.

Coupled with the long list of KSAs required to function successfully on the job, the City secretary must plan, direct and manage the Finance Department and City Hall operations, among other responsibilities. Generally speaking, the City said, “The City Secretary will be required to coordinate assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies. Also, the City secretary must provide complex administrative support, carry out statutory requirements while working under the direct supervision of the City Administrator and tasks assigned by the City Council.”

Arpegea Pagsuberon is currently acting as the interim City secretary until the position is filled.