Hot Springs Extends City Manager and Attorney Contracts

Three-year terms aim to provide stability as city faces leadership changes.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:05am

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A photorealistic painting of the exterior of a government building in warm, golden light, with deep shadows and a sense of quiet contemplation, conceptually representing the stability and continuity sought by the city's leadership during a time of transition.The extended contracts for Hot Springs' top administrators aim to provide stability and continuity during a period of significant leadership changes in the city.Hot Springs Today

The Hot Springs Board of Directors has established new three-year employment terms for City Manager Bill Burrough and City Attorney Brian Albright. The move comes as the city prepares for the retirement of several long-serving department heads, including the police and fire chiefs.

Why it matters

The extended contracts are intended to provide continuity and stability in the city's leadership during a period of significant turnover. With four of the seven board seats up for election in November, the new terms are also meant to give Burrough and Albright more job security and the freedom to be candid with the board.

The details

The board adopted amendments to Burrough and Albright's employment agreements after a 90-minute executive session. The new contracts replace the previous indefinite terms with three-year agreements that can be extended annually. If terminated without cause, Burrough and Albright would receive a lump sum payment equal to the compensation they would have received had they completed the three-year term.

  • The board adopted the new employment agreements on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Police Chief Billy Hrvatin plans to retire next month.
  • Fire Chief Ed Davis plans to retire next year.
  • Assistant Fire Chief Tom Braughton is retiring next month.

The players

Bill Burrough

The city manager of Hot Springs, Arkansas, who has been credited with providing stability and leadership to the city.

Brian Albright

The city attorney of Hot Springs, Arkansas, who has worked closely with Burrough to manage the city's affairs.

Pat McCabe

The mayor of Hot Springs, who requested the executive session to discuss Burrough and Albright's employment terms.

Phyllis Beard

A District 2 director on the Hot Springs Board of Directors who voted against the changes to the employment agreements.

Dudley Webb

A District 4 director on the Hot Springs Board of Directors who abstained from the vote on the employment agreement changes.

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What they’re saying

“We're really fragile right now. I need to bring my concerns to the board about continuity. Bill is the glue that holds everything together. The last thing we need is for Bill to look at other opportunities. He's done a fantastic job managing the affairs of the city.”

— Pat McCabe, Mayor

“This action was not explained to my liking, so I voted no.”

— Phyllis Beard, District 2 Director

“There wasn't enough time for myself to process everything.”

— Dudley Webb, District 4 Director

What’s next

The new employment agreements for Burrough and Albright will go into effect immediately, providing stability in the city's leadership as it faces a wave of retirements among department heads.

The takeaway

The Hot Springs Board of Directors has taken proactive steps to ensure continuity in the city's top leadership positions during a period of significant transition. By extending the contracts of the city manager and city attorney, the board aims to maintain institutional knowledge and provide a steady hand as the city prepares for the departure of several long-serving department heads.