The Greeneville City Council has approved allowing the interim City Manager to officially enter into an agreement and contract with Sumter Local Government Consulting in the search for a new City Manager for Greeneville.
Cathy Osborne told Council members Tuesday the Sumter fee will be $21,000 plus advertising. $32,000 to $38,000 will be allocated for the search with the additional amount to cover travel expenses for potential candidates.
The vote to accept Sumter was not unanimous however, passing 3-1 with Tim Teague voting no.
FIRST SEARCH PAUSED
The City Council paused the search being conducted by MTAS earlier this year, leaving three candidates who had been selected for additional interviews in limbo. The action to work with Sumter effectively ended the MTAS search process, despite continued objections from Teague, who has continued to contend the first search had resulted in three candidates who should still be considered. Gary Carver remains Community Development Director for the City of Newport. Brad Peters is a public works consultant for MTAS, a former Greeneville public works director and engineer, and a current Greene County Commissioner who is seeking reelection in August.
BUTCH PATTERSON RETIRES
Longtime Director of the Greeneville Parks and Recreation Department Butch Patterson was the other finalist during the MTAS search. Upon a direct question about his status following the Tuesday meeting, Finance Director Lora Young told Radio Greeneville News Patterson had retired from that position effective May 31st.
As to his replacement, Young told us the Interim City Manager is working on appointment of a new Greeneville Police Chief first prior to addressing the Parks and Recreation matter. No interim director has been named although Department Athletic Director Tim Bowman has been attending recent City Council meetings and addressing department related matters with city leaders when needed.
