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Council debates posting economic development/Main Street director while city manager search continues
Summary
Council members disagreed over whether to post a city economic-development/Main Street director position before hiring a new city manager. Some members urged immediate posting to identify candidates and maintain eligibility for grant scoring; others argued hiring is the city manager’s authority and recommended waiting.
Council members discussed whether to advertise and hire an economic development director who would also serve as the Lewisburg Downtown Main Street director. The item began as a general conversation about industrial property and the city’s capacity for recruitment and promotion.
Councilwoman Michaels and several members argued for moving forward with posting the position so the city can attract candidates and remain eligible for grants that award points for having a Main Street director. "Every grant that we have to write, they ask, are you on Main Street? They give you points for being in Main Street," Michaels said, adding that an existing grant provided $300,000 in funding last year in part because the city could affirm a Main Street presence.
Others cautioned that hiring decisions are the incoming city manager’s responsibility. One councilmember used a sports analogy, saying, "I would hate to hire assistant coaches before we hire a football coach," arguing that the new city manager should have authority over subordinate hires.
Council members also raised workload concerns for current staff. One speaker said it was unfair to expect a temporary manager (Barbara) to cover the economic-development role and code enforcement simultaneously.
Relatedly, the council considered an appointment request to the Industrial Development Board: staff presented Michael Tipper for appointment with a term through June 1, 2031; the item was scheduled for the Tuesday council agenda without objection.
No hiring action was taken at the meeting. Council members asked staff to prepare a job description and noted they would solicit postings through the Tennessee Municipal League and other municipal-management outlets if the council decides to advertise.
