The Opp Utilities Board now has a new general manager — a move Mayor John Bartholomew said would save the city thousands of dollars.

Stacey Parker, who has previously served as the chief financial officer and the board’s secretary, was named the new GM.

Parker has worked with the board for the last 10 years.

Bartholomew said Parker was selected because he’s qualified for the position and is a tremendous asset to the city.

“Everything is already in place,” he said. “In my campaign (for mayor), I said I wanted to put the right people in the right place for the right job. (Parker) is the right person for the job.”

Bartholomew said by combing the general manager and chief financial officer positions it would save the city at least $50,000.

Bartholomew said this is just one of the ways, he plans to install cost-saving measures at the city to help save money.

“We’re going to have some exciting projects,” he said. “By saving the city money, we can save people money. For every dime, we save, we can pass the savings on.”

Parker said the new job was “going to be a challenge.”

“But I’m ready,” he said. “We have good leadership that will help make me successful. I want to continue to strive to improve customer service and make it a good place for employees to work.”

The Utilities Board offers electric, water, sewer, cable, Internet and garbage services to the residents of Opp.

Parker replaces Jerome Rogers, who recently retired, as general manager.

In other business, the board:

• Appointed Bartholomew as chairman;

• Appointed Skip Spurlin as vice chairman;

• Appointed Parker as secretary/treasurer;

• Voted to continue working under the FY2012 budget until the new administration can prepare the FY2013 budget; and

• Appointed Bartholomew to the PowerSouth Energy Cooperative board of trustees.