Officials strip Mount Carmel mayor of hiring, firing power
MOUNT CARMEL, Tenn. (AP) – Mount Carmel officials have eliminated the mayor’s power to hire, fire, promote or discipline city employees.
News outlets report that the Mount Carmel Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Tuesday approved the second and final reading of the ordinance by a vote of 4-2. Mayor Larry Frost and Vice Mayor Paul Hale opposed.
City Attorney John Pevy says the ordinance gives the seven-member board that authority, with the mayor now having one of seven votes on those matters.
The decision comes a month after Frost fired Police Chief Jeff Jackson. Alderman Eugene Christian says Jackson still hasn’t received a reason from Frost for his dismissal.
Alderman Chris Jones says he anticipates Jackson will be reinstated into the police chief position.
