By Robert Medley
Managing Editor
Mark Roath attended his first Piedmont City Council meeting Monday night as the interim city manager.
The council members, as the Piedmont Municipal Authority, agreed to name Roath as the authority’s interim manager as well as interim city manager. A motion confirming Roath’s new position was approved by council members Ron Cardwell, Kevan Blasdel, Jonathan Hisey and Austin Redus. Melissa Ashford was absent from the meeting.
The council in a recent special meeting approved a contract of $100,000 a year for Roath for a period of time before the council could vote to transition the job into city manager. Roath will work full-time after starting Monday, Nov. 15.
The council approved Roath as the Piedmont Municipal Authority manager Monday.
“The contract we’ve already filled out and this can be ratified tonight,” Blasdel said.
Hisey said, “This is just making it official that Mr. Roath is the PMA manager as well.”
Roath recommended Monday night to the city council to pay a bill for $9,525 to the State Auditor and Inspector’s office.
An audit requested last year by council members found former City Manager Jason Orr had violated the city municipal ordinance that requires competitive bidding for purchases over $10,000. Council members voted to fire Orr.
Roath, who lives in Surrey Hills, is a former City of McAlester city manager.
