BRUCETON, Tenn. — The Bruceton Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved an amended employment agreement for interim City Recorder Annie Hand and called for the 2026 election at their meeting on Tuesday, May 12. They also scheduled a budget working session for May 21.
Interim Recorder Agreement
The board voted 4-1 to extend Hand’s interim appointment, with Alderman Jack Blocker casting the dissenting vote.
Blocker questioned why the town isn’t actively seeking a certified municipal finance officer (CMFO) to fill the permanent position, noting the cost of the interim arrangement.
“She’s into us for, like 15, almost 17 grand right now for five months worth of work,” Blocker said. “So I’m just trying to figure out why we can’t go after a CMFO at that rate, $40,000 a year.”
Mayor Robert T. Keeton, III said legal considerations prevent the town from hiring a permanent recorder until after the November election. He laid off former City Recorder Barbara Borkowski due to medical reasons. She remains on Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protection through October.
“If someone runs against me and beats me, they can say bye Annie and appoint who they feel is appropriate,” Keeton said.
Vice Mayor Cliff Sturdivant said the interim arrangement protects the town legally.
“If we hired somebody between now and [November], [the next mayor] could do the same thing,” Alderman Doug Fisher said.
Keeton said he will begin seeking a permanent CMFO at the end of October.
“There is a rhyme and a reason for doing what we’re doing,” Keeton said.
According to the amended employment agreement, Hand is paid $60 per hour with a minimum commitment of 10 hours per week. Any hours exceeding 10 per week require mayor approval. She will be available Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with remote consultation available. The agreement runs through December 31, 2026.
Other Business
The board unanimously approved a resolution requesting the Carroll County Election Commission conduct the town’s November election.
Keeton said the qualifying deadline for candidates begins June 22 and runs through August 17, though he encouraged potential candidates to verify dates with the election commission.
The Mayor’s seat is up for election this year, as well as the two Aldermen positions currently held by James Butler and Jack Blocker.
The board also approved appointing A2H Engineering as the town’s engineer for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project to repair and replace fire hydrants.
The board approved an amended personnel policy regarding on-call duties for Public Works employees. The policy requires employees to clock in and out when called for emergencies and use city vehicles rather than personal vehicles.
Public Works Director Andy Baker confirmed the new policy was acceptable to his staff.
Other Discussion
During Aldermen comments, Fisher urged the board to hold themselves and town employees to a higher standard, particularly regarding traffic enforcement.
“I think all of us should hold ourselves to a higher standard,” Fisher said, referring to the traffic enforcement controversy raised at the previous meeting.
Sturdivant said he’s observed multiple stop sign violations at the staggered four-way stop on South Carroll Street.
Keeton reminded residents about Bruceton in May, scheduled for Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The free event will feature 62 vendors, including 21 food vendors, four live bands, a dog show, duck calling contest, and family activities.
The board scheduled a budget working session Thursday, May 21 at 5 p.m. to review the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget.
Bruceton’s next regular meeting is Tuesday, June 9 at 5 p.m.