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Bill

SB 2732

Monterey - Subject to local approval, deletes obsolete provisions authorizing the mayor to serve as the ex officio recorder for the town of Monterey; establishes the position of Town Administrator and prescribes the Administrator's powers, duties, and functions. - Amends Chapter 492 of the Acts of 1901; as amended.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Bailey

Monterey would replace the mayor-as-recorder with a centralized Town Administrator responsible for administration, budgeting, and operations.

Passed on Second Consideration, held on desk. Local Bill
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Bill Summary · SB 2732

Summary of Bill: SB 2732 (Session 114) – Monterey Local Government Reform

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill aims to reform the town government of Monterey, Tennessee by:
    • Deleting obsolete provisions that allow the mayor to serve as ex officio Recorder.
    • Establishing and detailing the new Office of Town Administrator.
  • Overall effect: Replace the mayor-as-recorder framework with a professional, centralized Town Administrator responsible for administration, budgeting, and operations.

Key Provisions and Changes

1) Elimination of Mayor as Recorder

  • Repeals or removes language that previously allowed the Mayor to serve as the Recorder for the town.
  • This changes the town’s administrative structure by separating executive/administrative and recording functions.

2) Creation of the Office of Town Administrator (New Section 18)

  • Establishes the Office of Town Administrator for Monterey.
  • The Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA) will select and appoint the Administrator and set the salary.
  • Qualifications:
    • Minimum: Associate’s degree.
    • Training/experience in municipal management, utility management, or public administration.
    • CMFO (Certified Municipal Financial Officer) certification required.
    • Full-time commitment to duties.

3) Residency and Accountability

  • Residency: The Town Administrator must reside in Putnam County within six months of employment.
  • Bond: Administrator (or acting Administrator) must furnish a corporate surety bond approved by the BMA, covering faithful performance. Bond premium is a town expense.

4) Duties of the Town Administrator

  • Supervise and coordinate activities of all town departments per Board policies.
  • Specific duties include:
    • Keep the Board informed about town conditions and needs.
    • Serve as Chief Financial Officer of the Town.
    • Work with the Town Recorder annually to prepare budgets for all departments.
    • Determine, implement, and administer personnel/pay structures.
    • Assist Civil Service Board with applicant interviews when needed.
    • Serve as liaison between the Board and town activities under other boards (including Civil Service Board).
    • Recommend improvements to public services.
    • Lead planning, prioritizing, and evaluating public works/projects; direct town staff toward project goals.
    • Improve quality of life in coordination with the Community Relations Manager.
    • Report on the condition of town property/equipment; recommend repairs/replacements.
    • Responsible for all town tourism duties.
    • Administer purchasing activities.
    • Perform other duties as directed by the Board.

5) Departmental Cooperation

  • Requires cooperation from subordinate officers, the Town Recorder, and the Town Attorney to support efficient town administration.

6) Attendance and Participation

  • The Town Administrator shall attend all Board of Mayor and Aldermen meetings and may attend other commissions’ or boards’ meetings; shall have the opportunity to be heard on matters of interest and cooperate with boards/committees.

7) Effective Date and Local Approval

  • The act is contingent on approval by a two-thirds majority of Monterey’s legislative body.
  • If approved, the act becomes law upon certification; otherwise, no effect.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Town of Monterey:

    • Abolishes the mayor-as-recorder role and creates an empowered Town Administrator.
    • Shifts financial oversight (CFO role) and day-to-day administrative duties to the Administrator.
    • Requires implementation of a formal budgeting process coordinated with the Town Recorder.
  • Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA):

    • Responsible for selecting the Administrator and setting the salary.
    • Receives regular reporting and strategic guidance from the Administrator.
  • Town Staff and Departments:

    • Administrative leadership realignment under the Town Administrator.
    • Potential changes in budgeting, personnel, and purchasing processes.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • Local approval required: A two-thirds majority vote by Monterey’s legislative body.
  • If approved, the measure becomes law as of certification; otherwise, it does not take effect.
  • Residency requirement enforces relocation to Putnam County within six months of employment.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with Monterey’s current structure or outline potential implementation steps and a transition checklist.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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