Residency of city administrator discussed

LISA HOBBS - News Editor

McMinnville officials have approved on first read an ordinance that indicates the next administrator might live outside the city.

“Essentially, the reason we are amending this right now is because there is a requirement that the city administrator must live within the city limits and none of the applicants live within the city limits, so that would preclude all of them from holding this position,” stated Mayor Ryle Chastain.

Current Municipal Code requires the individual to move into the city within 90 days of their first day of employment. The change under consideration would extend that to six months and includes an exception to the residency requirement upon approval by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

“What’s the benefit to us, realistically, because it’s important to be here in the city,” questioned Alderman Kara Youngblood. “Why give them more time? Three months, 90 days, is pretty decent.”

Chastain stated that the current housing market, someone’s financial situation, lenders and interest rates, etc., three months might not be feasible for someone moving here from out of state.

Alderman Keri Morton added, “If they have children and they have to relocate school systems, that’s something I took into consideration on that. Moving and uprooting children. Do you want to make them do it in three months or stretching it out an extra month or so to let it be halfway through the school year, rather than in the middle of the first quarter or the first half of the year.”

The measure passed 4-1. Voting in favor of allowing the next city administrator more time to relocate and including an exception to the residency requirement were Chastain, Morton, Steve Harvey and Deitra Dunlap. Youngblood voted against. Aldermen Rachel Kirby and Sally Brock were absent.

Ordinances require two passing reads.