Community leaders: ’Strong’ leadership skills, building trust needed in Fort Smith city boss

Proven leadership and management skills are needed in the next Fort Smith city administrator, and the city should use a firm to attract candidates for the top job, according to a consensus from community and business leaders who responded to questions from Talk Business & Politics.

With a unanimous 7-0 vote, the Fort Smith Board of Directors on Dec. 10 fired Fort Smith City Administrator Carl Geffken, who had been in the job more than eight years. The firing followed a Dec. 3 board meeting incident during which Geffken allegedly was heard through an open microphone saying “God these people are stupid,” after remarks from a citizen.

The board plans to interview Interim City Administrator Jeff Dingman and Deputy City Administrator Maggie Rice in the process to hire a city administrator.

‘BUILD TRUST’
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Chancellor Dr. Terisa Riley said “strategic planning, team building, conflict resolution, and solving complex problems” are key qualifications for a city administrator.

“At this level of management, the individual should have experience in budget preparation and oversight as well as management of the types of units we have in city government. The individual should have good board management skills and excellent communication skills. I believe that the individual will need to work to build trust in city government through transparent decision-making processes and open communication,” she said.

Marty Clark, president of Fort Smith-based BHC Insurance, said the board should hire a person with a “significant business background,” and preferably with experience in streets and water and sewer system management.

Tim Allen, president and CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, believes community development skills are necessary.

“From the Chamber’s perspective, the city should seek a candidate with strong leadership skills, proven management experience, and a deep understanding of economic and community development,” Allen noted.

SEARCH FIRM, INTERNAL HIRE
Allen and Clark said a headhunter firm would give the board a wider pool of qualified candidates. Riley qualified her answer about using a headhunter firm.

“I do not recommend using a firm if the Board of Directors members have sufficient bandwidth to attract candidates nationally. If they do not have such a network, a search firm that specializes in placing fantastic candidates would be worth the investment,” Riley said.

Marty Shell, a Fort Smith resident and president of Van Buren-based Fiver Rivers Distribution, which manages the Port of Fort Smith, does not support using a search firm.

“I know you will want to do a search for a new City Administrator, but I’ve worked with Jeff Dingman for many years and can’t think of anyone more qualified than Jeff to take over that role and not skip a beat. Save your money and hire the guy that has paid his dues for the City,” Shell wrote in an email to city directors.

Allen, Clark and Riley are not opposed to hiring a city administrator from within city ranks. Allen said internal candidates would have “a strong understanding of the community,” with Clark encouraging city directors to make sure internal candidates have the necessary skills.

“I believe all qualified individuals should be considered, and we must rely on the Board of Directors to select the best person for the job. We should never pass up local individuals who may be excellent candidates, nor should we disregard individuals who come from other areas who may be excellent leaders in Fort Smith,” Riley said.

CONSENT DECREE HELP
There was support for the idea of using the transition to also hire a person who is solely focused on helping the city work through a federal consent decree that continues to challenge city finances.

After decades of failing to maintain sewer systems to federal standards, the city entered into a federal consent decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in late 2014, with the decree officially beginning Jan. 1, 2015. The consent decree, when initially enacted, required the city to make an estimated $480 million worth of sewer upgrades in 12 years.

However, recent estimates on the cost of work required to meet the full measure of the federal mandate is $635 million, with some estimates discussed approaching $800 million. Also, the city faces a possible $25 million penalty if state and federal officials do not approve a city plan to modify the federal consent decree. The city is in ongoing discussions with federal officials to modify the decree.

“(I)f someone is available that can bring value and potentially reduce the tremendous financial effects of the consent decree, that would be a no-brainer,” Clark said.

“Addressing the consent decree is critical, so dedicating resources to ensure compliance and progress would be a responsible step,” Allen said.