Loudon begins manager search

Kayli Martin news-heralf.net

Loudon signed a contract with Municipal Solutions LLC to aid in the search for a new city and Loudon Utilities Board manager.

The official last day for Ty Ross, former manager in both roles, was Oct. 6.

Mayor Jeff Harris is fulfilling the responsibilities of city manager until a new hire is approved in accordance with the city charter. Harris said LUB Chairman Don Campbell asked for authority over the utility, which will be voted on at the next meeting.

City Attorney Kris Frye said at an Oct. 9 workshop that he had obtained three quotes from search firms and recommended Municipal with the lowest price at $22,400.

The expense would be split between the city and LUB. Since the amount falls under the $25,000 threshold determined by a recent change to city ordinances, the contract does not need to go through competitive bidding.

Harris, Vice Mayor Tim Dixon and Councilman John Cardwell agreed to move forward with the contract. Frye said LUB also agreed.

“Kris has done a great job putting this together,” Cardwell said. “If you read some of the people that work at this company, I mean, they’re off the chart. … I think we ought to move forward with it.”

Cardwell said the company has roughly a 90-day timeline with extensions for finding quality people for the role. If a new hire leaves within six months, the company will continue to search.

Dixon questioned where Municipal would be looking for candidates and if the company would confer with council or LUB about requirements.

Frye said he believes the process would include a wide search and Municipal would conduct local interviews about the type of candidate needed for the position. The city and LUB would give approval before Municipal began posting the job, he said.

Harris said he plans to rearrange his work schedule as he fulfills the role.

Dixon asked if compensation should be given to Harris for the additional responsibilities. He said in the past some city employees have taken on extra work and compensation was delayed.

Harris said that would be for council to decide.

Frye said the charter is silent on compensation in such a situation.

In an unrelated matter, Director of Public Safety Mike Brubaker sought permission to discharge firearms within city limits for the annual turkey shoot noon-3 p.m. Nov. 4, 11 and 18 at Loudon Municipal Park. The event is a fundraiser for the Children’s Christmas Fund managed by firefighters and police officers.

Parks and Recreation Director Mark Harrell requested an Oct. 25 meeting with the Recreation Advisory Committee to discuss the proposed recreation center, costs, other park infrastructure and programming.

Bud Guider, RAC chairman, said there is nothing new to report regarding a recreation center until council decides to move forward with the project. He requested guidance from council and expressed frustration over the topic not being on agendas.

Harris said the center has been on workshop agendas.

Cardwell said funding needed would includes a property tax increase or a vote for a sales tax increase.

Guider said costs are likely going up the longer the city waits and expressed concern bids would soon to expire.

“The Recreation Advisory Committee would appreciate some kind of response from the council one way or another,” Guider said. “We have nothing more to offer. (We’ve) presented everything we have.”

Cardwell requested a letter from the committee outlining where members stand on the project. Harris and Cardwell said they planned to attend the Oct. 25 meeting.

Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Loudon Municipal Building.