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Anderson County authorizes mayor to explore sharing planner with Roane County
Summary
The budget committee authorized Mayor Frank to enter discussions with Roane County about sharing a planner to address regional staffing shortages for certified planners; commissioners asked for scope, duties and cost options and the mayor agreed to return with proposals.
Anderson County's Budget Committee voted Jan. 8 to authorize Mayor Frank to enter discussions with Roane County to explore a shared planning position aimed at addressing a reported shortage of certified planners and high market wages.
Mayor Frank said Roane County executive Wade Cresswell proposed the idea to reduce costs and increase capacity. Frank suggested a shared contract employee arrangement (a 1099 model was mentioned as an option) to allow higher wages with reduced benefit expenses; he also noted the county already maintains a planning contract with the East Tennessee Development District that could remain in place for routine planning commission support.
Commissioners asked the mayor to return with details about the proposed position's duties, time allocation, certification requirements and expected cost-sharing. Commissioner White said if the county can afford a full-time planner it should hire one, but several commissioners favored exploring the shared option as a practical starting point. The motion to authorize talks was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote.
The mayor agreed to provide follow-up information on scope and potential cost options to the budget committee.
The committee will consider any proposed interlocal agreement or contract only after the mayor returns with written options and costs.
