Collegedale City Manager steps down effective immediately

From the Chattanoogan: Wayon Hines, Collegedale city manager since 2021, surprised members of the commission on Tuesday night when he resigned, saying he had "lost faith and trust" in some commissioners.

He said he was stepping down immediately so that steps could be taken now toward new leadership.

Vice Mayor Tonya Sadler moved to accept the resignation as Mr. Hines was passing out his statement.

Commissioner Debbie Baker said of the resignation motion, "I don't (accept it). I think we're losing somebody who has helped put us toward the future and who has been treated unfairly by certain leaders. I think this is wrong. It is very wrong."

"Something has happened to cause him to do this real quick. I'm just ticked off about it."
Commissioner Baker added, "I'll be honest I'm very upset about this. Whoever takes over we don't need to run the city. It's not our job to go in and tell the city manager how to do his job.

She said, "There are some people who like to stir up crap. I am not one of those."
Commissioner Baker said, "We got 'two-for-one' with Wayon since he also served as city engineer."
 
Mayor Morty Lloyd said of Mr. Hines, "I always felt he wanted what was best for the city of Collegedale. I'm sad to see him go."

Commissioner Tim Johnson said, "Our stakeholders in the city really appreciate Wayon. He has a lot in his head - knowledge-wise - that this city will lose."

A resolution was passed to make Michelle Toro, the current assistant city manager, as interim city manager. She indicated she would only want to take on the post for a short time.

City Attorney Sam Elliott recommended that the city utilize MTAS to help in finding a replacement. Mayor Lloyd said, "We need to take our time in our selection and be very diligent."

Mr. Hines passed out a statement: "I began serving the city of Collegedale in June of 2016 as city engineer. In March of 2021, I was asked to take on the additional role of city manager.

"During my greater than nine years of service to this city, we have done great things! As I have done in the past, it would take 15 or 20 minutes to orate a partial list of those accomplishments.

"I am extraordinarily proud to have led our city in significant Infrastructure investments, including intersection improvements, large paving projects and extensive sewer work.

"It has given me immense joy to see the completion of public projects such as the Katie Lamb Library remodel, the Little Debbie Park, and the construction of parking lots to access our outstanding community amenities.

"We have maintained a strong fiscal balance each year and have experienced the highest growth rate ever. We have undertaken many strategic initiatives to improve communication and transparency. We have worked to refine most departments by improving not only service delivery but professionalism.

"In addition, we still have transformative projects underway between the Chastain Trails Park, the Greenway extension currently being designed and the sewer pump station modernization just to name a few. I believe these will be spectacular benefits to our citizens. And I look forward to Collegedale's future identity as an attractive outdoor park and greenway enclave.

"Unfortunately, I have lost trust and faith in some members of the commission and the decisions being made. I am resigning from both my roles as city manager and city engineer. I believe doing so immediately is in the best interest of the city and staff as it will aid in the transition to different leadership."