9 Vying for Public Works Director

As of Wednesday, nine people had submitted applications for the director position that will open upon ’s retirement at the end of the month.

Mayor Pat Vaughn said that in talking with City Manager Rick Eckert, “there are some very well-qualified candidates.”

“It give you a good feeling when you have a lot of good candidates to choose from,” she said.

Applications for the position will be accepted through June 30. For information on how to apply and requirements of the position, .

Eckert said the position’s salary has already been plugged into the budget for next year and will remain about the same as Swaim’s salary of just under $74,200.

Among the field so far are applicants from Powder Springs, Mableton and Alabama. Eckert said someone who has held a director or assistant director position in public works for a city is preferred. Training and education are also factors, he added.

“There are pros and cons on whether or not we should have somebody who has an engineering background,” he said. “We don’t do any engineering (in the city), but once in a while, that does kind of help.”

With the proposed city budget for next fiscal year expected to be passed at the special called meeting on June 29, Eckert said Swaim has already gotten the department’s budget squared away.