Kilgore city manager looking for bigger city

"I'm keeping my options open," said Jeff Howell, Kilgore city manager after announcing that he was among 38 applicants who applied for the city administrator job in Fort Smith, Ark last month.

"It's another opportunity," Howell said. "I can't be promoted unless I move to a bigger city."

Fort Smith's population was 80,000, according to census data released in 2000. Kilgore's population was recently listed at 12,400.

According to Richard Jones, Fort Smith human resources director, city officials expect to name position finalists by June 24 and fill the job by mid-summer.

Jones has said the city is seeking individuals with municipal experience, an economic development background and who works well in the community they come from.

The city administrator - similar to a city manager - is responsible for overall business operations of the city and overseeing employees who work for the city.