Willow Park's former city administrator's job change took place under the mayor to focus more on the city's commercial growth and increasing the city's sales tax revenue, officials said.

Although Claud Arnold's new position as the economic development administrator is not official until the Council takes action at its regular meeting Aug. 18, the move was made under the assumption that Mayor Marvin Glasgow's preliminary actions will be ratified by the Council, Arnold said.

Arnold's office is now in an area law firm building at 5069 E. Interstate 20 Service Road N.

Arnold's occupation of the office space at the Bradford Firm, will cost the city $750 to $1,000 a month, Glasgow said.

In the wake of Willow Park's expansion and aggressive road renovations, city attorney Rider Scott said it would be difficult for a city administrator to try to run the city as well as oversee economic growth.

"It's tough to focus on all of that," he said.

Candy Scott, who has been serving as the city secretary, is the acting city administrator.

Scott might eventually become the next city administrator, Glasgow said.

Arnold said discussions regarding the city's need for an economic director began several weeks ago among he, Glasgow, and Mayor Pro-tem Ken Hawkins.

The decision to assign Arnold to the task was reached because of Arnold's experience and knowledge in economic issues in the area, Hawkins said.

"We are looking into increasing economic development for the city and the best person to do that is Mr. Arnold," he said.