Alva Review-Courier -

Handling City of Alva business is a big job, and elected officials are having a tough time finding someone to take on the challenge. At their Oct. 17 meeting, councilmembers held a lengthy executive session. It included an extensive in-person interview with a candidate for the city business manager position, which has been vacant since May 31.

Since Angelica Brady resigned to take on the role of chief financial officer at Share Medical Center, the city has been operating under the interim management of Fire Chief Bryan Miller who is supervising the city departments and Mayor Kelly Parker who is in charge of other administrative duties. Financial reports are being handled by Crawford and Associates.

During a report at the Parks and Recreation Board meeting Wednesday, Councilmember Gail Swallow said the candidate interviewed in October rejected the job offer. Mayor Parker added that the candidate didn’t feel able to handle all the responsibilities.

Parker said the city will probably start a statewide search again. An earlier search using the resources of the Oklahoma Municipal League garnered a few candidates, but they either took jobs elsewhere or otherwise did not work out.

Parker said the city needs someone “with a good head on their shoulders and willing to work hard.” The city business manager from Guthrie has been helping in an advisory role, but he’s getting ready to retire and is not interested in the Alva position.

Parker said, “We have more resources in place to help somebody than we ever had.” He indicated those resources would provide support for anyone who takes on the job.