Leadership for the City of Waynesboro, TN
John Hickman, City Manager
The city manager oversees daily city government operations and support services under the general supervision of the Board of Mayor and Commissioners, serving at the Commissioners' will and pleasure. The role requires independent judgment, critical thinking, and frequent coordination with the commissioners, committees, department heads, employees, and the public. The manager attends all commission meetings as a non-voting member.
Essential functions include preparing and administering the city budget; developing personnel policies; monitoring all departments against budgets, schedules, and performance goals; keeping the commission informed on financial conditions and cost overruns; and reporting corrective actions. The manager also serves as the Code Enforcement Official, prepares reports and agendas, recommends service improvements, supervises day-to-day administrative activities, and handles hiring, promotion, discipline, and termination. Additional duties include recommending reorganizations, proposing personnel policies for commission approval, administering federal and state grants, and acting as a purchasing agent under state law.
Mayor and Commissioners
The City Mayor and Board of Commissioners allows cities flexible governance structures based on population. Small cities, like Waynesboro, have 3–5 commissioners. Commissioners appoint a city manager who handles day-to-day administration, including purchasing, finances, budgeting, department head selection (except the city judge), and enforcement of laws. The manager can only be removed for cause during the first year of employment.
The mayor presides over meetings and votes but does not have veto power.
