News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville will operate with a new Division of Human Resources, after a Thursday night City Council vote.
Council members approved an ordinance abolishing the Human Resources Department, to create the new division which will be led by the city’s HR manager.
“The manager would report directly to the city manager,” City Manager James Mills said. “This reclassification is a part of our continuing efforts to better serve our residents in a more efficient manner.”
The move is the latest in the line of changes implemented by Mills and the City Council to improve efficiencies. They include an outside firm hired to evaluate many of the software systems used in HR and accounting. That work is ongoing. Mills said he is close to hiring a communications manager to bring together public outreach.
Cookeville also combined its Departments of Gas and Electric into a Department of Energy. The work began with the creation of a Community Development Department.
Council also approved Thursday night a contract with AEI to begin design work on the construction of new facilities for Fire Departments Two and Three. The design work will be completed in 120 days or less. Mills said construction could begin in July.
The two facilities will be identical in design with four bays and some 7,000 square feet in administrative space. The city has already secured land for a new facility on Gould Drive. The city is still looking for land in the neighborhood of Washington Avenue for the other department.
