County looks to hire ‘Director of Continuous Improvement’ to assist with growing needs

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Montgomery County is looking to hire a “Director of Continuous Improvement” for what the measure says will help meet the growing needs of county government.

The proposed legislation says Montgomery County is one of the fastest-growing communities in the state and the position is necessary to efficiently and effectively meet the rising needs and requests of its governmental departments, boards and elected officials.

Need for director

Over the past two years, the county mayor’s office has discussed the need for this position. However, those requests have been withdrawn during the budget hearing process.

At Monday’s informal commission meeting, County Mayor Wes Golden explained that now is the time to hire someone for the job.

“When I came into office, I went around and met with all the elected officials and department heads, and one of the things I heard a lot was the contrast and the difference between the two chiefs of staff that were here before. One was very externally focused, (with) a big vision, looking at the community, and the other was internal, dealing with department heads, elected officials, and people like that,” Golden said. “It sounds like they were completely different in the way they did their work, but in reality, both are needed.”

The mayor went on to say that he has seen large projects and programs put on the shoulders of people with full-time jobs that are never completed to their full potential. He noted that this position would help with the ongoing efforts of the county.

“This is something that other industries are doing as well. The school system also has a position with this title. It is something that I believe is needed, so I’ll ask for your support on this,” Golden said.

Cost to the county 

Commissioner Nathan Burkholder asked about the annual cost of the new government employee.

“The total (annual) cost would be just under $150,000 with salary and benefits,” said Jeff Taylor, Director of Accounts and Budgets.

If approved, the measure would amend the operating budgets of the fiscal year to cover the cost of hiring the new employee, who would be under the direction of the county mayor and chief of staff.

While the resolution was originally slated to appear on the consent agenda, it was pulled out Monday night as a separate item at the request of Commissioner Jason Knight. The measure will be voted on by the County Commission on Monday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. at the County Courthouse.