Mills Receives High Marks From Evaluation

Cookeville City Manager James Mills received a score of 4.88 out of 5 on his annual assessment from City Council.

Attorney Danny Rader said Mills’ strongest categories were business and finance, leadership, and his relationship with the council. After accepting the assessment, Mayor Laurin Wheaton entertained a motion to give Mills a fifteen percent salary increase to show the city’s appreciation.

“You are invaluable,” Wheaton said. “You know, I’d pay you out of my own pockets if I could. But you are, yeah there you go. What you do for us is why we are such a great city and city council and departments. So thank you for what you do. We appreciate it day in and day out and you don’t get enough credit.”

The board unanimously approved the raise, with Council Member Eric Walker saying it is well deserved and long overdue as Mills has been putting city employees first for years. Rader said Mills’ latest score is nearly identical to the score he received last year.

Council Member Ali Bagci said the raise brings Mills’ pay to market level after everything Mills has done to ensure city staff is properly compensated.

“It’s a pleasure,” Mills said. “I really enjoy working with you guys. You’re a great council. I know it’s not easy doing what you do, believe me. It’s very much appreciated.”

Rader said said each city council member evaluated Mills anonymously to ensure their responses were honest.

“It’s done through our law firm,” Rader said. “It’s done the same way as it’s been done here at the city for many years, at the board of education for many years.”