Anderson County commissioners voted to authorize Mayor Frank to enter discussions with Roane County about sharing or jointly contracting for a certified planner, a step officials said could cut recruitment costs and meet growing planning needs tied to local development.

Why it matters: County and Roane officials said planners in the region command salaries of $90,000–$100,000 and are hard to recruit. Sharing a position could allow both counties to afford higher pay while splitting costs; commissioners asked the mayor to return with scope, duties and cost options before any hiring decision.

Mayor Frank described contacts with Roane County’s county executive and said a shared position could be a contracted role (a 1099 arrangement) or a reallocation of existing planning resources. He also said Anderson County retains a planning contract with the East Tennessee Development District and that a shared planner could work alongside that arrangement.

Commissioner White cautioned against sharing a county employee and said, "If we can't afford it, let it go. If we need that person, let's hire that person." Others supported exploring the idea; Commissioner Vandergriff moved and Commissioner Beauchamp seconded a motion authorizing the mayor to pursue discussions, and the motion passed by voice vote.

What’s next: Mayor Frank will work with Roane County leadership and report back with proposed staffing options, scope of work, and cost models. Commissioners asked for written details about the role’s initial responsibilities and how it would interact with the county’s existing planning contract.

Quotes: "They're looking at $90,000, $100,000, and they're not getting what they need," Mayor Frank said of regional planner salaries. "If we need that person, let's hire that person," Commissioner White said as a caution against sharing staff.