Cookeville Budget Proposal Includes Funds For New PIO Position

The city of Cookeville’s new spending plan includes funding for a new public information officer.

City Manager Mike Davidson said city has considered adding the new position for several years.

“We want to be able to share information in a timely fashion with the public and the folks that are visiting Cookeville,” Davidson said. “Whether it’s in some type an emergency situation or just some day-to-day business with the city of Cookeville, we want to be able to get that information out to the public so they’re aware of what we’re doing, what is happening each and every day around the city, and try to keep them as informed as possible.”

The budget proposal allocates nearly $50,000 per year for the position’s salary. The PIO would cover all city departments in providing information and will assist Cookeville Police when necessary.

Davidson said incoming city manager and current planning director, James Mills, will likely lead the hiring process. with the city’s human resources department.

“There’s no rush to get that position filled,” Davidson said. “They’ll certainly take their time to [prepare] the job description. Once that’s drafted they’ll work through that in a timely fashion.”

Mills will take over the city manager position beginning July 1. Davidson said the city could hire someone as early as this fall.

Cookeville City Council will likely consider the 2019-2020 budget proposal during their June 6 meeting.