By Jim Young / jimyoungreporter@gmail.com
It what appears to be quite a coup for Crossville, the city council has hired a prominent Chattanooga county commissioner as the new city manager.
Curtis D. Adams currently serves as the chairman of the Hamilton County Commission and is the longest serving member of that commission in the history of Hamilton County. Adams is in his sixth term on the commission and had been elected chairman three times.
Adams worked professionally in circulation and advertising for some 40 years including many years at the Chattanooga Times Free-Press. He has also served as the city manager of East Ridge, TN, where he currently lives.
In his position on the Hamilton County Commission, Adams was part of the recruitment team that helped bring Volkswagen Group of America to Chattanooga.
The council met in special session at 4 p.m. Tuesday afternoon prior to the council's regular meeting to interview Adams. His name was not made public until the meeting when copies of his resume were distributed. The called meeting notice gave the reason for the secrecy as “out of respect for his position.”
Adams' easy and folksy manner seemed to strike a chord with the council as he talked about his background and experience. He was also straight forward about what he called his shortcomings including the fact that he was not very computer skilled.
Councilman Boyd Wyatt told Adams, “We are looking for jobs. I believe you can help us with that.”
Councilman Carl Duer explained to Adams that three of the current council members were up for election this fall and a changed council could lead to a change in direction for the city. Adams responded that he didn't see any of the current council not being reelected.
“Why do you want to leave Chattanooga?” asked Councilman Jesse Kerley.
Adams responded, “I was not looking to relocate but this place is sitting on real big excitement. The location of Crossville on the interstate lends itself to industrial development. I want to put my heart and soul into this and be making a name for us right here.”
Adams' age of 76 years old led Mayor Graham to point out to the council that a lot of executives are working into their seventies and eighties citing Warren Buffett and Joe Paterno as examples.
Adams told the council that he could start officially on May 17 after he had overseen the budget process for Hamilton County as the commission chairman. He said in the meantime he would spend part of his time in Crossville working for free with retiring manager Ted Meadows and getting to know the city operations.
Councilman Kerley said Adams would “make a good applicant...and he may be the best,” but Kerley added that he would like to see other applications sought for the position.
At the end of the regular meeting's agenda some four hours later the council took up the matter of the search for a city manager. Mayor Graham recommended to the council that they appoint Curtis Adams as city manager.
Councilman Earl Dean said that he came to the meeting not ready to hire immediately and planned to push for seeking additional applications. “After hearing him speak,” explained Dean, “I think we need to vote him in. I think he can help.”
Councilman Carl Duer said he felt that his experience would be great and his connections in Hamilton County would help Crossville.
“I agree,” said Wyatt. “He is very impressive and his resume is very impressive.” Mayor Graham asked Adams if he would work for a salary of $105,000 with use of a vehicle and vacation and sick day benefits but no retirement. Adams agreed that he would.
Mayor Graham made the motion and it was seconded by Wyatt. The vote to hire Adams as Crossville next city manager was five ayes.
Adams plans to resign from the Hamilton County Commission after the budget work is complete and before he starts his new job.
