In a closed session of the Poplar Bluff City Council Thursday evening, members voted to appoint City Clerk and Treasurer Lori Phelps as interim City Manager.
“I’m excited and I’m looking forward to the role,” Phelps said.
According to the city’s press release, she will take the position on Sept. 20. She did not know she was going to be selected in advance of the meeting. Phelps speculates her 16 years of experience with the city and familiarity with the day-to-day operations were key factors in her selection.
“I work very closely with the city manager,” she explained.
Phelps does not know currently how long she will serve in this role. Officials released a job posting Friday morning detailing the roles and responsibilities of the city manager.
Current City Manager Matt Winters said the advertisement will go up in the next several days and be open until Sept. 27. He stated the city council will act as the search committee but will likely not release the list of candidates to the public until a decision is made.
“It’s a personnel issue,” Winters clarified.
“I think the city is headed in the right direction. I’d like to keep it moving in a positive direction. I think Matt’s done a really good job,” Phelps affirmed.