Jasper City Hall getting new software, employee

Arkansas-Ole Miss Live Blog

JASPER, Tenn. - New software and cross-training of workers are coming to Jasper City Hall, and city administrators are looking for a part-time worker to help with it.

The Jasper Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously last week to advertise the position in local newspapers.

The job will include work hours up to the maximum allowed per week on part-time status, officials said, and involve being cross-trained to do any of the office jobs at City Hall.

"Everything this person might do right now isn't concrete," City Municipal Finance Officer Mark Johnson said. "We'll have to define that specifically."

Mayor Paul Evans said the city is installing Local Government software. Local Government is a private, nonprofit corporation that provides computer services to municipalities in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky and Mississippi.

Current office employees will be cross-trained for each other's jobs, as well, officials said.

"This is our first step," Evans said. "This office will be running 21st century, and everybody will be able to do everybody else's job. That is our goal."

Alderman Steve Looney said he agreed cross-training was needed and that the new software will speed up the job city workers are now doing.

"If we don't, we're going to be so far behind it's not funny," he said. "I think this is a good step."

City leaders will review applications and hold interviews soon.

Evans said he expects to have the employee ready to go to work by April 1, but for now, the job will remain part time with no benefits.

"Who knows what it will lead to down the road?" he said. "There is that possibility [that it will turn into a full-time job]."

Ryan Lewis is based in Marion County. Contact him at ryanlewis34@gmail.com.

Upcoming Events