Vice mayor says city should wait to hire new administrator
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The idea was presented by Finance Committee chairperson and Vice Mayor Patti Nunley, who believes waiting to hire a city administrator until the spring would be a good idea.
Opposed to the idea was committee member Michael Chrisawn who said, ?We should definitely hire a city administrator. We need someone who oversees daily operations. We are running a $10 to $14 million budget with no one in charge. What business does that? We can?t ask the city to run on tax dollars with no one in charge.?
Holding fast to her stance, Nunley said the budget is fixed and lean. Waiting would also save the city the better part of $100,000, she said.
Committee member Donald Hillis also agreed that waiting is a good idea. Moving forward cautiously is the way to go right now, he said.
?We have not offered this man the job,? said Hillis referring to David Rutherford, one of two finalists. ?I don?t see any reason to get in a big hurry. We can look into the contract and decide what we will offer when and if we decide to go ahead with it.?
The committee discussed the contract requests presented by Rutherford. As for the contract presented, the committee made a few changes to get the contract more in line with what other city employees earn.
Among the changes:
? Rutherford requested $85,000 salary. Offered is $67,500.
? Rutherford requested a merit increase after six months. Offered was a step increase, the same given to other city employees. If a cost-of-living increase is given to city employees, Rutherford will get one as well.
? Requested was four weeks paid vacation for the first year and six weeks every year after that. Offered will be three weeks.
? Requested was short- and long-term disability insurance paid for by the city. Offered will be short term, as long term is not offered to other city employees, and Rutherford must pay his own disability insurance.
The Finance Committee?s vote to send the proposal to legal counsel for consideration was also a tense moment with Chrisawn and Hillis voting to send the proposal and Nunley refusing to vote either way.