Mills Receives Nearly Perfect Evaluation; Five Percent Raise.

Cookeville City Manager James Mills received a 4.9 out of 5 on his annual evaluation by city council members.

City Attorney Dan Rader compiled the numbers based on council member evaluations in six different categories.

“This is one of the highest, if not the highest, evaluations I’ve ever received for a public official,” Rader said. “So I think it would be an understatement to say this was anything but an outstanding evaluation.”

The evaluation includes 50 different measurement points. Rader said the evaluation was nearly perfect on business finance and leadership categories.

“The city would not be where it is today, this great position, if it wasn’t for you,” Council Member Laurin Wheaton said. “We look to you for guidance. We come to you with questions. You’re always helping us out. The 4.9 percent, in my opinion, isn’t high enough. You’ve done an amazing job.”

City Council voted during Thursday night’s meeting to give Mills a five percent raise effective immediately.

Mayor Ricky Shelton said the raise should be more, based on Mills’ duties, comparisons with other communities, and his performance.

“He would not want that because as he’s been throughout his tenure, he’s more concerned about his employees, fellow employees and fellow directors than he is himself,” Shelton said. “That is a very humbling and amazing place to be. So I appreciate you.”