Dickson County moves nominee Curtis Hayes to regular session to become planning and zoning director

The Dickson County mayor nominated Curtis Hayes to be the county's next planning and zoning director, citing Hayes's seven years in the department and construction experience dating to 1985. Commissioners voted to move the nomination to the regular session for formal ratification.

The position became vacant after Planning and Zoning Director Dave Darnell submitted his resignation earlier in the year and his last official day was the last Friday in April; Darnell has continued to consult on a part-time basis through August.

"He's been there for the last 7 years. He's the number 2 guy behind Mister Darnell," the mayor said of Curtis Hayes during the work session. The mayor said the hiring panel that interviewed candidates included Darnell and three experienced planning professionals; they recommended Hayes unanimously.

If the commission confirms Hayes, his official start date as head of planning and zoning would be June 1. The mayor said Hayes previously worked 13 years for Jones Brothers Construction before joining the county planning staff and that he would be available to answer questions after the work session.

Commissioners approved a motion to move the nomination to the regular session agenda; the mayor said Hayes would remain at the meeting to take questions from commissioners or members of the public before a final vote.

Less urgent details: The mayor thanked the interview panel—Dave Darnell, Donnie Baer, Donnie Thill and Star Moore—for conducting the search and said Thill and others volunteered time to ensure continuity in the department during the transition.