By DAVID MELSON - dmelson@t-g.com
Scott Collins was named Shelbyville’s new city manager at a special called meeting Thursday.
Shelbyville City Council voted 6-0 in approval of Collins. His hiring was effective immediately – at least, as soon as a background check is complete. Collins said a physical, part of his pre-employment requirements, was to have been conducted Thursday.
Collins’ starting salary was set at $125,000, according to his contract. City Attorney Ginger Shofner read the contract’s terms in detail to the council before the vote, A $5,000 per year raise will be awarded if Collins receives a favorable evaluation by the council after 6 months.
Collins will be required to live within Bedford County under the contract’s terms but may reside outside the Shelbyville city limits due to what Shofner termed the “current housing situation.” He is “highly encouraged” to live in Shelbyville, according to the contract.
Former City Manager Josh Ray had been criticized by the council after saying he was unable to find affordable housing inside Shelbyville.
A provision in the contract says Collins cannot be fired during the first 90 days after a city election.
“I was down here, met with your department heads and had an opportunity to tour your facilities,” Collins told the council. “As a matter of fact, when y’all had the big rain event two or three weeks ago it was all I could to keep from calling Buck (Vallad, Director of Public Works) and make sure he was safe.
“The process has been phenomenal. I’ve been following you closely for a month through the Times-Gazette, through your excellent website that has all your minutes and videoes. I am ready to get to work.”
Contract terms state if Collins is fired without cause he will receive 6 months of severance pay and 4 to 6 months of salary and retirement benefits. That number drops to 1 month if Collins is fired for cause.
The contract contains routine requirements for a new city manager’s contract, such as 15 days paid vacation time immediately; a vehicle allowance of $450 per month, although Collins will be responsible for maintenance; no reimbursement for trips under 100 miles from Shelbyville.
