Hamilton County Commissioner Curtis Adams is still city manager of East Ridge because his Saturday resignation has not taken effect, Mayor Mike Steele said.

“I met with Curtis (Wednesday) afternoon with (city attorney) John Anderson to clarify his position,” Mr. Steele said. “(Mr. Adams) discussed his desire to continue as city manager until we hired someone.”

Mr. Steele said Mr. Adams had not sent a formal letter of his resignation, nor had he set a resignation date. Mr. Adams only made a verbal statement Saturday that he was resigning, Mr. Steele said.

Mr. Adams sent a letter to the members of the East Ridge City Commission, detailing his plan to stay on until a new manager is hired, Mr. Steele said.

Ads for the city manager could be taken out within a week, Mr. Steele said, and a new manager could be hired within 90 days.

Mr. Adams took the East Ridge city manager job on an interim basis in February then went fulltime in April.

Hamilton County Commission Chairman Bill Hullander said he spoke with Mr. Adams about returning to the city manager position. Mr. Hullander said East Ridge officials asked Mr. Adams to return to help with the city’s $11.5 million budget.

Mr. Adams announced his resignation Saturday in the wake of criticism surrounding a proposed 47-cent property tax increase. He could not be reached for comment Thursday.

On July 10, East Ridge Vice Mayor Jerry Petty called for Mr. Adams’ ouster, questioning Mr. Adams’ qualifications and public statements about the proposed tax increase.

Mr. Steele said he was considering a smaller tax increase, probably closer to 32 or 33 cents. He said the reduction did not constitute a debate between him and Mr. Adams. Mr. Adams did his job to provide the strongest financial outlook he can, Mr. Steele said.

But Mr. Steele said he does not believe East Ridge residents can afford a 47-cent increase given the cost of gas and food.

According to state law, a city manager “may not be removed within 12 months from the date on which the city manager assumed the duties of city manager, except for incompetence, malfeasance, misfeasance or neglect of duty.”

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