Ash Grove once again without a city clerk

Ash Grove has again found itself in a familiar position, without a city clerk, after the employment of Joyce Bellm ended last week.
 
The city will look to hire the position from outside city offices, rather than keep it in-house as was done in the past.
 
Mayor Caleb Smith said that Bellm did not meet the board’s expectations in the role after she stepped up to handle the duties following the departure of longtime city clerk Melissa Mau earlier this year. Bellm previously conducted administrative work under Mau.
 
Smith said that the challenge was completely different for Bellm than what she undertook before.
 
Specifically, Smith mentioned that Bellm was not the “leader” they were searching for. He also said that there were some in-house issues that contributed to the move.
 
“Just the leadership part of it, [such as] heading up the office, wasn’t there,” said Smith. “We had a couple of in-house issues, and that’s about it.”
 
 
Clerk search
The city has begun the search for a new city clerk but currently does not have anyone in mind, said Smith. The city will be looking outside of their current staff to step into the position.
 
“We tried to hire within to give somebody the best shot that they could fulfill the position,” said Smith.
 
In the search for a new clerk, Smith said that the city has specific abilities in mind.
 
“…A background of leadership, somebody that is budget-minded [with] career experience in the field,” said Smith.
 
In the meantime, other city employees will fill in for the city clerk position, mainly Public Works Director Chris Boyd.
 
Smith said that the search has already begun and that they plan to soon advertise for the position and make a hire from the incoming applicants.