After a nearly 22-month-long search, the Cumberland Plateau Water Authority voted to hire Jeff Dyer as its general manager.
Water Authority board member Jeff Freitag was the only one who voted against the hiring during the group’s meeting last week.
Freitag said he was wary of hiring Dyer due to hearing negative public feedback. He said the feedback was about the interview process.
“I think that this has been a tough process, and I get the position you’re in – it’s really difficult no matter what selection you make,” said Dyer.
“Jeff, I get your concern. I think those concerns come at this magnitude – this level – of any decision you will make. But I’ll come through for you guys on this position.”
“I do appreciate each of you going through this,” said Dyer.
Water Authority President Greg Hanson said that the next time the Water Authority needs to hire someone, they will develop a clearer process for employment.
Dyer created a multi-page document before his employment that addressed the setup for the Water Authority, integration with other districts, and marketing and brand awareness. He will share this with the rest of the authority to gain feedback.
Dyer began working in his new position Tuesday, Nov. 5.
He will begin working on a general manager’s update for the December meeting.
In other business, the Water Authority addressed the financial report that had two transactions.
One was interest accrual, and the other was a $27 meal that Hanson and Dyer took to discuss his benefit package for the job.
Board members Missy Sliger and Freitag’s terms on the authority are nearing expiration.
Freitag indicated that he wishes to end his term on the authority when his term ceases. Sliger wishes to stay on the authority.
Thom Hassler and Landon Headrick’s terms will expire in December 2025. Chamberlin and Hanson’s terms will expire in December 2026.
Crossville City Mayor RJ Crawford appointed Headrick to replace the recently vacated seat from Greg Tabor. This was his first water authority meeting.
While the website features meeting minutes, the financial information is not on the website yet.
Secretary Kevin Chamberlin received assistance from a web designer to upload documents. The website is not live yet. In time, they will upload financial information and agendas to the website.
Board member Sean Stephens was absent from this meeting.
The next CPWA meeting will be on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. in the Cumberland Medical Center at 421 S. Main St. in conference rooms A and B.