Rutherford seeks city administrator contract
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Included in the day was time spent with elected officials discussing what will be expected of him, what he expects of the city, and how things operate within city government. To observe how things are run, Rutherford sat in on the Finance Committee meeting and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting held that evening.
One area that seems to stand out is community involvement in city government. Rutherford would like to see more of that.
When it comes to the departments, Rutherford would like to review the services offered by the departments and then conduct a survey with residents about those services. This will give the elected officials insight as to what is being offered versus what city residents want.
When it comes to elected officials, keeping residents informed about what is going on within their government is the best way to get community support and involvement.
?If a spectator comes to the meeting and witnesses a vote with no discussion, they are left wondering what just happened,? said Rutherford.
Another area Rutherford would like to address is city and county. Although city and county elected officials are notorious for not seeing eye to eye, Rutherford believes that working together would be the best for both. Given time and willingness on both sides, he thinks this is possible.
Although things operate a bit differently in McMinnville city government than what Rutherford is used to as county administrator of Springfield, Ga., one thing will remain the same.
?I plan on giving my input to elected officials and department heads,? Rutherford said.
After spending the day talking with elected officials and city employees, Rutherford got a chance to discuss what he wants if asked to be the new city administrator.
Among these, he would like a contract renewed annually. The contract was mentioned even after a warning was given from Mayor Royce Davenport that the board would probably have an allergic reaction to the idea.
In addition to his compensation requests (see chart), Rutherford also asked for a review after six months. That review would determine if he was successfully meeting his objectives set down by the board.
If elected officials are satisfied with his progress, Rutherford requests a merit increase of 2.5 percent of his pay. If elected officials are not happy with his progress, he would be given a six-month notice and the city would not owe Rutherford a severance package.
If not given a six-month notice, Rutherford would be given a severance package.
At this time Rutherford has not been offered the position.
The Finance Committee decided to give each member time to review Rutherford?s requests and meet again on Aug. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at city hall. During that meeting, discussion will be made as to what elected officials are willing to offer in a contract with Rutherford.
Not too shabby
Rutherford?s contract requests include:
? Annual pay of $85,000.
? Rutherford asks that the city share his relocation expenses totaling $6,000 by paying $3,500.
? The city provide him a city-owned vehicle for city business use or reimburse him if he has to use his own vehicle for business.
? The city provides medical insurance and disability insurance.
? Rutherford receive four weeks paid vacation for the first year and six weeks every year after.