The search for a deputy to the Rutherford County mayor has reached a new phase, and interviews should begin in a few weeks.
With applications submitted, an interview committee – comprising Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess, Human Resource Director Sonya Stephenson, Finance Director Lisa Nolen and Steering Committee Chairman Adam Coggin – are reviewing the applicants.
“We are reviewing (the applications) and seeing which might be possible candidates to interview,” Burgess said about the 28 applications submitted for the new post in the county mayor’s office.
As the Rutherford County has grown, so have the duties of the mayor, which have become “overwhelming at times,” Burgess said.
The new deputy mayor, at a salary of $80,630, will take some responsibilities from the mayor’s office, much like Murfreesboro’s city manager, in helping the mayor oversee the daily operations of Rutherford County government.
The new deputy mayor, after being appointed by Burgess, will assist the mayor in all capacities, like consulting with department heads and improving county services, among other duties.
The new post will also be the liaison between the mayor’s office and elected county officials.
Burgess said the idea for a deputy mayor came from full-time county staff members who thought things would run more smoothly with some extra help.
“They felt (the county) needed some additional resources,” he said.
Burgess expects to begin interviewing candidate in one or two weeks.