By Karen Hall

Editor

Without categorically ruling out the other two candidates, city councilmen Wednesday expressed a preference for choosing either Randall Dunn or Charlie Beal as Lewisburg's next city manager.

Dunn "has experience and knowledge, he's local, he's done it for 30 years -- I like him," said Robin Minor. "He has a passion to be here."

"The only 'con' I see (against Dunn) is he's done a lot of things with a big staff," said Dana Deem, of the Municipal Technical Advisory Service, which processed the applications and prepared the short list. "I don't know how he'd operate with a smaller staff."

"He's almost too good to be true," said Trigg Cathey. "I want everything checked out. He's a shining star -- if it all checks out."

"He thinks a lot of himself," Deem noted. "I think he is good, but I saw some problems in his written presentation, and he's never been a city manager."

"Beal would be my second choice," said Minor, "He's been here before." In fact, this is Beal's third application for the job of Lewisburg city manager.

"Beal is knowledgeable and capable," agreed Odie Whitehead Jr. "I respect his expertise, but Dunn's work history speaks for itself. I would have to vote for Dunn."

Artie Allen reversed the order, and said, "Top of my list is Beal, second is Dunn."

"I share your hesitation about Dunn," said Steve Thomas. "He did a tremendous interview, but I wonder if we're getting a show horse instead of a plow horse."

"I'll work with anybody who's chosen," said Mayor Jim Bingham, "I don't have a vote. There's a lot riding on getting it right -- let's check them out thoroughly. There's no reason to rush; let's be thoughtful and careful."

"Should we have them back for a social occasion?" asked Thomas. "We could see them in a different setting."

"I've seen that done," said Deem. "You can see how they interact with the community."

"Let's do the background check first," said Minor.

Police Chief Chuck Forbis was requested to do very thorough background checks on Dunn and Beal, and he agreed, remarking jokingly it was a pity they didn't live in Colorado or Hawaii.

"I think you've done a great job," Minor complemented Deem.

In other business at the work session, and special-called meeting which followed it, councilmen unanimously approved a balanced budget of just over $10,300,000; authorized the mayor to sign the contract with Waste Management; and appointed Pam Davis as city recorder, to replace Brenda Brewer who is retiring.

"You've done a lot of things tonight a city manager could have helped you with," said Deem. "There are things MTAS can help you with, also, like a vehicle maintenance and replacement program. MTAS can help with an analysis of fire-department resources and locations, and with human resources issues."

There was a certain amount of extra money in the proposed budget, and some of it was immediately allocated to the purchase of a new police car. Recreation Director Jimmy Stitt and Public Works Director Kenny Ring were each asked what they would like to spend about $33,000 on, if this turned out to be possible.

Stitt immediately responded that he needed three new golf carts, 24-hour access to the Rec Center, and 5,000 square feet of new carpet for the large meeting room.

"I don't see nothing I can get," said Ring. Items high on his wishlist, like a new backhoe, cost more than $33,000 all by themselves. Later he agreed three garage doors and a gas-can cabinet at the Public Works Department, a stump grinder, and a headstone lifter, could be purchased with the alloted sum.

Subsequently, as other expenditures were mentioned, the councilmen's refrain became, "There goes one of your golf carts, Jimmy!"