LYNCHBURG — A heated debate over who has the authority to hire new employees sparked tense discussion during Tuesday night’s Metro Utilities Board meeting, with members ultimately agreeing that the manager may replace existing positions without board approval – but must seek approval for any expansion of staff.
The issue arose after confusion over whether Ronnie Cunningham could begin training a replacement for longtime employee Doyle Baker, who is expected to retire in the coming months. Board member Glenn Thomas cited an audit finding from the previous year when employee raises were issued without board approval, arguing that all personnel changes must stay within the approved budget.
Chairman Barry Posluszny countered that the manager has discretion to fill existing vacancies. “We’re not in the business of telling him who he can hire or fire,” Daugherty said. “If there’s a vacancy, he can fill it. But if he wants to expand the department, that’s when we step in.”
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After extended back-and-forth, Office Manager Katie Goodwin confirmed that funds for one position had been shifted during budgeting. The board agreed that future vacancies should retain their allocated funding to avoid similar confusion.
The discussion ended cordially, with both all parties agreeing to bring any new positions back to the board for formal approval when necessary but stressed that vacant positions didn’t need a separate board approval.
The Metro Utility Board meets every second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the MUD offices located at 705 Fayetteville Highway. To be added to the addenda for the November meeting, contact them at 931-759-4297. •
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