After months of debate and a veto attempt, Little Rock board appoints Delphon Hubbard as city manager following executive session

The Little Rock City Board of Directors on June 17 rejected a board resolution proposing a committee‑based selection process for the city manager, and later, after an executive session, appointed Delphon Hubbard as city manager by a 7–1 vote.

The board first debated Resolution 20, which would have established a three‑member board committee to review city manager applicants and deliver finalists to the mayor for nomination. Vice Mayor Weirich and other members said the step would increase transparency; opponents said it conflicted with the city charter approved by voters in 2007, which reserves nomination power to the mayor with board confirmation. The board voted the resolution down in a voice/roll call vote, and the mayor issued a veto on the matter during the meeting.

Public commenters spoke on both sides of the selection‑process question. Junie Matheny urged a committee to give citizens a voice in the selection of a high‑paid city executive. Scott Hamilton said the 2007 ordinance clearly gives the mayor nomination authority and opposed changing the process. Director Miller likewise cited the 2007 voter‑approved structure and said she would not support the change.

After the regular agenda, the board entered an executive session. On returning from closed session the board voted to appoint Delphon Hubbard (noted in the record as Chief Delphon Hubbard) to the city manager role; the roll call showed seven votes in favor and one vote against (Director Hines). The mayor announced the 7–1 vote and the board adjourned.

Actions and outcomes - Resolution 20 — a board resolution to establish a three‑member selection procedure for the city manager: board vote failed (voice/roll‑call; motion did not carry); the mayor issued a veto on the proposed resolution.

- Appointment of Delphon Hubbard to city manager: board voted in executive session and then publicly recorded the result — 7 in favor, 1 opposed (Director Hines); outcome: approved.

Why it matters The sequence underscores an ongoing governance dispute over the appropriate role of the mayor and board in selecting the city’s chief executive. Voters in 2007 established the mayoral nomination/board confirmation process that some board members and members of the public said should remain intact; others advocated more direct board involvement before nomination. The board’s final action put a permanent city manager in place and closed a long vacancy the mayor said had lasted more than a year and a half.

Ending note The board’s public record reflects the failed procedural resolution, the mayor’s veto and a final 7–1 confirmation of Delphon Hubbard after executive session. The city will publish the formal appointment paperwork and start transition steps per city personnel and administrative rules.