One city alderman stood alone in his opposition in waiting on the incoming city council to hire an assistant building inspector.
Alderman Gregory Robertson wanted the Board of Mayor and Aldermen to consider hiring a part-time assistant for Building Inspector Russ Carter. He said with Carter’s workload, the assistant would be beneficial to that department.
Robertson’s recommendation was added to the city council’s board agenda about an hour prior to the discussion. Alderman Dr. Jack Varner said he felt the item should have been properly included on the agenda beforehand, adding that he felt “ambushed.”
Varner agreed that an assistant is needed, but he wasn’t sold on the current board making that hire.
“I make the motion that we turn it over to the mayor and (Carter) to study and see if they want to do it,” Varner said. “If they do, bring it back to the board to consider.”
However, Alderman Aubry Brent Jr. felt the hire would be “premature.”
“I think a decision like this that will involve additional money should left up to the incoming board,” Brent said. “We are right around the corner from having a new board. The incoming board will not be obligated to adhere to anything we decide. We should wait until the new board sits down.”
Varner said the report should include a job description, salary and hours. But he added that the report should be given to the incoming board.
“They can bring their report back to the new board,” Varner said. “I have said for years that (Carter) needs an assistant, but I don’t think it proper for this board to decide or even discuss it at this time.”
Robertson cast the sole opposing vote in letting the new board make the hiring decision.
