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Council narrows residency requirement to six emergency‑critical posts
Summary
Council revised the residency policy to require only six emergency‑critical positions (city manager, deputy city manager, fire chief, police chief, electric director, public works director) to live in city limits and to remain compliant with state law; city staff said the change improves recruitment while protecting current employees' rights under Tennessee law.
On second reading council amended the city's residency policy to replace a broad, pay‑grade‑based requirement with a position‑specific rule. Under the approved change only six positions — the city manager, deputy city manager, fire chief, police chief, electric director and public works director — would be required to reside within Oak Ridge city limits when hired into those roles.
HR Director Eric Ault said the shift is intended to focus residency on positions that must respond quickly in emergencies and to bring the code into compliance with Tennessee law. "This change would bring us into compliance with that statutory language," Ault said, referencing state residency rules that prohibit penalizing current employees for non‑residency. He added the Personnel Advisory Board and the compensation committee recommended approval.
Council discussed recruitment challenges for senior posts and the market disadvantage for employees who might have to relocate; the city manager and other staff said the policy change will help broaden candidate pools. Council approved the ordinance amendment by voice vote (recorded as four ayes).
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