HOPE — Hope Town Council members have rescinded requirements that certain town employees must bid on their jobs every year.
"This has been sort of a sore spot with some of our council members and residents," said council President Ohmer Miller.
On Monday night, the board rescinded the bidding requirement of "all employees, including the town manager" that was approved by a 3-2 vote on Dec. 18.
Three months after declining to renew former town manager J.T. Doane’s contract shortly before Christmas, town leaders have not decided whether they want to fill that administrative position, Miller said.
The vote taken Monday was intended to provide a 2019 contract for Hope Building and Zoning administrator Greg Potts.
"I have researched the issue, and there is no statutory or ordinance requirement that you bid that position," town attorney Scott Andrews told the council.
Working the part-time job for about 12 hours a week, Potts is responsible for the proper interpretation of and enforcement of the zoning, subdivision control, unsafe structure and rental property registration ordinances in Hope.
Potts has been working without a contract since the first of the year, said council member Nellie Meek. Over the course of three separate votes Monday, Potts was provided a 2019 contract with a 3 percent pay hike that raises his part-time annual salary to $6,132.
Doane was a full-time employee of the town Hope earning an annual salary of $54,060 when his contract was not renewed.
