Cookeville City Manager James Mills received a 3 percent pay increase Thursday following a near-perfect annual performance evaluation.
City Attorney Dan Rader said the council conducts confidential evaluations each year to measure the city manager’s performance across several categories.
“Last year, Mr. Mills’ evaluation came back at 4.93, and I personally didn’t think he could ever beat that because that’s almost 100%,” Rader said. “Well, he beat it this year.”
Rader said the evaluation included perfect 5.0 scores in the categories of council relationships and business and finance. Rader said the high marks reflect the work Mills put in over the last year to bring various city projects toward completion.
“You keep us in line and you’re not afraid to share your opinion with us, which I really appreciate, and it’s very satisfying to have somebody that’s very transparent, so I do appreciate that,” Council Member Chad Gilbert said.
Mills said he views the relationship between himself and the council as a great team. Mills said the accomplishments of the council over the last eight years have been unprecedented and make his job enjoyable.
“But you know, I care about this city, and it’s great to work along with other people that I know you guys it’s just as important to you, and we care about this community,” Mills said.
