Clarendon starting over with search for new administrator

The Clarendon City Council will start over with its search for a new city administrator after the last candidate for the job pulled out last week.

Fred Ventresco of Pine Tops, North Carolina, is believed to have accepted another position elsewhere, city officials have said.

During last Thursday’s regular city meeting, the council approved re-advertising the job for 40 days in hopes of attracting more candidates.

City Administrator David Dockery informed the council a year ago of his desire to retire this

April, but he will now be staying in his position a while longer.

In other city business last week, the council approved a resolution proclaiming April as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention month in the city and approved closing the 300 block of S. Sully Street for the people, but the city will try to set up alternative routes where possible. The city will provide matching funds of $17,500 for the project, and Childress says they are working on future grant applications.

The city also has used about $50,000 in COVID-relief funds to purchase a dozer and a dump truck to help work on other roads. Childress is also still working on a petition drive to reverse a water rate increase from Red River Water Authority. Childress said residents have until March 31 to sign the petition and she encourages residents to come to City Hall to sign.