The city of Athens has yet to name a city planner after the initial candidates both dropped out, according to an article in yesterday's Post. The position will be responsible for implementing the comprehensive plan that is supposed to be the guide for development in Athens.
The city administration is right in trying to plan for economic expansion and growth, but it must have a clear plan specific enough for someone from outside the area to implement.
As interest in the position wanes, questions must be raised about why this job is scaring away applicants. The plan itself is vague, as are the responsibilities of executing it. A planner would earn between $41,000 and $57,000, depending on the applicant's education level and not including benefits.
This is money that could be used to hire two additional firefighters, two of the seven city positions that the mayor has left open. These crucial jobs could be filled if the city could handle implementing the plan within the confines of the current system, like it would any other ordinance or piece of legislation.
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