Staff report

Hamilton County Commissioner Curtis Adams resigned as East Ridge city manager this morning.

“I didn’t go into this on a long-term basis,” said Mr. Adams, who held the job for about five months. “I think I did a good job and showed them what they needed to do. Now it’s up to the council.”

He said he offered his resignation at this morning’s budget work session, where East Ridge Council members met to review a draft of the proposed $11.5 million budget for 2009.

Mr. Adams proposed a 47 cent property tax increase that some on the East Ridge Council, including Vice Mayor Jerry Petty, opposed. Mr. Petty had urged his colleagues to replace Mr. Adams.

He said the tax increase would pay for a wide range of improvements, including new municipal vehicles, City Hall refurbishment and employee raises.

“No one likes a tax increase,” he said. “But East Ridge hasn’t had a tax increase since 1995. It’s time for East Ridge to invest in itself.”

Mr. Adams said giving up the city manager post will allow himto spend more time with his “grandbabies.”

“I haven’t had much time for that working two jobs,” he said.

For complete coverage, see tomorrow’s Times Free Press.