On the Edges

Temporary assistant to mayor hired

Ozark's Board of Aldermen has hired O. Kay Armstrong as temporary assistant to Mayor Roger D. Fortner. Armstrong began working Aug. 30 and will help in the daily operation of the city until a new city administrator is hired. Armstrong is a Springfield native and former city manager for three Florida cities. He will be reviewing and possibly making adjustments to the 1999 city budget, preparing for the 2000 budget and assisting the mayor. Armstrong said he will also work on updating Ozark's comprehensive plan, which includes public facilities and financial planning.

"Then we can launch into projects, many of which will qualify for federal funding if we have a comprehensive plan," Armstrong said.

The new assistant confirmed that he is an applicant for the job of city administrator, but he will stay on to orient the new administrator if he is not chosen for the job. Armstrong was a city manager for 12 years in Winter Haven, St. Augustine and Daytona Beach Shores, Fla., and was executive director of the metropolitan planning commission of Savannah, Ga. Armstrong has degrees from Drury College and Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.