East Ridge council hires Brian Corral as city manager

The East Ridge City Council on March 26 approved Resolution 3801 to hire Brian Corral as the city manager, authorizing the mayor to execute an employment agreement.

City attorney Litchford outlined the contract’s key terms during the meeting: up to $15,000 in reimbursable expenses (with receipts), retirement participation consistent with other city managers (up to 10% into TCRS or ICMA options), a $600-per-month automobile allowance, a $75-per-month cell-phone allowance, and paid leave consistent with the city’s employee handbook. The agreement provides a five-month severance payment for removal without cause, increasing to six months after the manager’s second anniversary. Litchford also recommended removing the word “implicit” from a duties clause to make the contract’s scope “unambiguous.”

Brian Corral, introduced to the council after the vote, said he looked forward to joining East Ridge and working with staff and residents. “I look forward to becoming a part of the community of East Ridge, getting to know our staff, getting to know our citizens, and serving you,” Corral said.

Council debate focused on standardizing compensation and benefits with existing staff and ensuring the contract complied with Tennessee law (Litchford referenced TCA 6-21-108 and the city charter provisions governing the city manager’s duties). A motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded and carried by roll call.

Next steps: the mayor will execute the agreement and staff will implement payroll and benefits consistent with the approved terms.