Tohme’s old position advertised
Published 9:47 am Sunday, March 24, 2019
By Ken Stickney
Closing of applications for the first review of candidates for the open position of Port Arthur director of utility operations, a job formerly held by Hani Tohme, was set for Monday, according to a job advertisement that’s been running for the past week.
Tohme worked in that position from early 2018 on a part-time basis while continuing to work in his civil engineering firm. He took the job while the city department was in disarray both in delivering its services and in balancing its books. City leaders give him credit for righting the ship both fiscally and in better meeting customer needs. Tohme had in recent months taken on additional duties in overseeing the road crews.
Tohme left city employment last Monday after some city leaders expressed concern about him both doing department work and private engineering work in the city. The concern was that a conflict of interest could be perceived.
Tohme remains one of four finalists for the position of Port Arthur city manager, a position that has been unfilled since December 2017. Interim City Manager Harvey Robinson has filled the void since then, but says we wishes to return to retirement.
City councilmembers were scheduled to resume conversations Tuesday about the four finalists for the city manager position, which pays in the $140,000 to $170,000 range.
The director of utility operations pays between $96,912 and $120,594, according to an advertisement listing in Indeed.
The advertisement said the successful candidate would “manage, supervise and coordinate the activities of the Utility Operations Department including laboratory analysis, potable water treatment, wastewater treatment, utility maintenance, utility engineering, solid waste collection and disposal; to coordinate Utility Operations activities with other City divisions and departments; and to provide complex staff assistance to the City Manager.”
The position will remain open until filled, the ad says, but applications must be filed by 5 p.m. Monday for the first round of applicant reviews.
