The Harriman City Council tackled key leadership and operational business during its regular session Tuesday night at City Hall, prioritizing the search for a new city manager and signing off on several city contracts.

Search for Next City Manager Nears Final Stage

Council members voted to authorize Mayor Wayne Best to negotiate a contract with the top candidate chosen to serve as Harriman’s next city manager. Mayor Best noted that the search has been narrowed down and a final selection could be made as early as this week.

Once a candidate accepts terms, the contract will be presented to the council for final approval. Unless a special meeting is called, the official vote is expected at the council’s next regular meeting on the first Tuesday in August.

Harriman has been without a full-time city manager for roughly six weeks following the resignation of Scott Mason, who held the position for nearly four and a half years. Mayor Best, who has been filling in as acting city manager, emphasized the urgency of filling the role, remarking that the workload has been so heavy the city “could almost use more than one city manager.”

Key Approvals in New Business

In other actions Tuesday night, the council approved several important items:

• 2026/2027 Dispatch Agreement: Approved a contract with the Roane County Emergency Communication District for an estimated $101,000.00, representing an increase of roughly $2,500.00 over the previous year.

• Golf Course Lease Transfer: Authorized the transfer of the Double Eagle Grill lease at the Harriman Golf Course from Mark and Pauline Patterson to A&E Investment LLC.

• City Attorney Contract: Voted to approve a new contract for the City Attorney.