ELGIN — Wanted: Someone to serve as Elgin’s first events director.
The Elgin City Council voted 4-0 Feb. 16 to create the position of events director, who will coordinate recreation programs and special events for the city. The director’s other tasks will include:
• Maintaining parks and related venues.
• Supervising full- and part-time staff.
• Managing the department’s budget.
• Promoting the city’s athletic resources to community sports programs.
• Coordinating activities with other city departments.
City officials have talked about creating the position for two years, said Mayor JJ Francais.
“I can point you to cities across Oklahoma that have this position,” he said. “Cities that are our size. Cities that have 3A schools, not 5A.”
Francais said the position is one of a handful of city jobs that would generate revenue for Elgin.
Councilman Sean Bateman said the council was essentially creating a new department and needed to amend the city’s budget to reflect that fact.
“I’m all for it,” he said. “I’m just saying there’s more work to be done by adding, essentially, a department with one person.”
Starting pay for the full-time position is $21.66 to $24.51 per hour, depending on experience.