During a Monday evening special called meeting of the East Ridge City Council, Scott Miller was named the interim City Manager.

City Councilman Mike Chauncey made a motion that Miller, who retired as city manager four years ago, be hired as the interim. Councilman Jacky Cagle seconded the motion. In a unanimous vote without discussion Miller was appointed.

Mayor Brian Williams then said that perhaps the board needed to ask Miller, who was in attendance, if he would accept the position.

Miller said it would “be my honor to accept the appointment.”

The need for an interim city manager arose last Thursday when Chris Dorsey abruptly resigned the position. In last Thursday’s East Ridge City Council meeting, Mayor Williams said that Dorsey’s resignation came as a result of the council wanting to move in a different direction.

In comments to the council during the eight-minute meeting, Miller noted that he had been in city government for 44 years, 42 of those in the position of city manager. He retired from City Manager of East Ridge four years ago due to health concerns. Those health issues are now behind him and Miller said he feels “like a 15-year-old boy.”

During his retirement, Miller, who remains a resident of East Ridge, said he had volunteered three days a week at CHI Memorial Hospital, and served his church.  He said he could set those duties aside for six months or so while the council seeks a permanent replacement.

Mayor Williams said that he expects the transition to be smooth, and acknowledged Miller’s expertise in issues dealing with the Border Region Act.

Miller will be paid at the rate of the former city manager, some $125,000 per year. The City will also continue to pay Dorsey his salary until the end of his contract, even though he is no longer employed.