By Russell Hood

The Webster Progress-Times

John Prather has been rehired as city park director after serving in an interim capacity late last year.

The Eupora Board of Aldermen originally hired him Oct. 5 as interim park director through flag football season, with his job responsibilities ending in November. He was hired when Mike Narmour, who was employed full time, submitted his resignation after accepting the position of Winona's park director.

The Eupora board voted Jan. 4 to advertise the position of part-time park and recreation director, and to adopt a new proposed job description. Mayor Tommy Lott called a special meeting Tuesday concerning applications for the job, which were taken through Monday.

Lott said 22 people picked up applications and copies of the job description but only eight actually applied by the deadline. Prather was among the applicants, according to the discussion.

Board members reviewed the applications and discussed whether or not to interview the three considered as finalists. Henry Flowers (Ward 4) subsequently made a motion to hire Prather and Ricky Newton (Ward 3) seconded. The motion carried 4-0; Billy Brister (Ward 2) was unable to attend the meeting.

Prather starts back Feb. 1 and will be on a 90-day probation period. He and all other city employees will be considered for rehiring in July; the salary for the position is $15,000 annually.

"I think we should go ahead and hire (Prather)," Flowers said before making his motion, referring to his experience. "He has established his credibility."

Newton concurred, saying, "He went above and beyond what he was hired to do (as interim director)."

Additionally, Lott said, "You need someone with experience." The mayor said the board needed to take into consideration Prather's contacts and that he has potentially six youth baseball tournaments drawn up.

Newton said, "I think he's the key to getting Dizzy Dean state tournaments now," which the city will bid on next week to host.

Dan Burchfield (at large) indicated that his biggest concern was that the city should stay within the $30,000 parks budget.