Strafford mayor steps down to be city administrator

The Strafford board on Oct. 15 appointed Vicat as part-time city administrator for an indefinite term, effective immediately. The city had been considering hiring a city administrator for about three years, according to Helvey, but couldn’t fit the job’s salary into the city’s budget.

“Strafford’s small, and we just don’t have the resources that other larger towns do,” Helvey said.

Vicat, who has been performing many of the duties of city administrator since he was elected in April, has agreed to a $30,000 annual salary – about $10,000 less than what most applicants had requested – and no benefits. Helvey said there is no estimate for when the position could become full time.

In his new role, Vicat is responsible for developing and directing a plan to enhance the city’s image and economic development.

“There are good things happening in Strafford, and we must keep the momentum going,” Vicat said in a city news release. “… It is my goal to move Strafford forward from the bedroom community image into a more vibrant, growing town with new businesses that will help keep Strafford dollars in Strafford.”

Helvey, who is executive assistant to the president at Missouri State University, will serve as mayor until the April election.