The new position of town administrator for the Town of Greeneville is another step closer to reality on Tuesday following unanimous approval of the proposed job description during the regular meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

The board met at 4 p.m. in the G. Thomas Love Boardroom of the Greeneville Light & Power System building to consider approval of the job description, among other agenda items.

At Alderman Sarah Webster's request, Acting Recorder Carol Susong agreed to provide any interested parties with a complete copy of the job description.

Alderman Keith Paxton asked if hiring an interim administrator is still a consideration.

Mayor W.T. Daniels said that, while he remembered discussing that possibility, there have already been about 50 resumes submitted for the position.

"We have some really good applicants," he said. "I'd hate to go through this again ... It's an extremely lot of work, and I think we can find this person, with those resumes, on the first go-around."

Daniels said in an interview following the meeting that he anticipates that there will be as many as 30 more resumes.

"I'm looking at every one of them," he said. "I think that we can find that person."

The mayor also pointed out that the need for a town administrator lies chiefly in the need for someone who is qualified to act on the Town's behalf in day-to-day operations.

He said that he and the four aldermen "just won a popularity contest" (the election) but that the administrator will have the necessary education and experience to administer the town efficiently day to day.

The description begins by defining the job:

"This employee is responsible for the daily operation of town government activities and support services under the general supervision of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

"The employee serves at the will and pleasure of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Instructions to the employee are general, and the employee must routinely use independent judgment when completing tasks.

"The employee must consider different courses of action and sometimes deviate from standard operation procedures.

"The work requires frequent contact with the Mayor and Board, committees, all department heads and employees, and the general public. Must coordinate these to assure the effective and efficient operation of the town government."

The description further defines the job through equipment and location, the essential functions, required knowledge and abilities and qualifications.

Beyond graduation from an accredited college or university, the qualifications include a preference for those with a master's degree in public administration or a related field, a minimum of three years of administrative experience, or a master's degree in public administration with two years' experience.

During the meeting, Paxton also asked when and how this position will detail items such as salary and severance pay.

Alderman Darrell Bryan said that he anticipates such negotiations to be a part of the final package once the Town offers an individual the job.

Paxton also expressed concern that the board has not yet received permission from the Tennessee General Assembly for a "significant change" to the charter, such as with this new town administrator.

Mayor Daniels said that, with a unanimous board approval to change the charter, permission was "pretty much guaranteed."

City Attorney Ron Woods also reassured the board that the board has the authority to even move forward with hiring someone, but, until approval is final for the change, they would have to do so under the current charter.

The board then unanimously approved the job description.