JONESBORO — After going without a permanent city manager for nearly a year, the city of Jonesboro recently approved a new city manager — Seddrick Hill, who previously was city manager in Talladega, Ala.
In a special called meeting on Feb. 5, the Jonesboro City Council approved Hill as city manager, and Hill’s first day was two weeks after that vote.
After receiving resumés on Feb. 19 on the three finalists and Hill’s salary and benefits via an Open Records Act request, the Clayton News-Daily reached out to Jonesboro Mayor Donya Sartor, City Council members and Hill for a statement about Hill’s hiring. However, as of Monday, March 4, no statements had been received.
“I’m so appreciative of the panel that participated throughout this entire process to make sure we got a city manager,” Sartor said in a Feb. 5 work session, adding, “I think we’re fortunate to have Mr. Seddrick Hill.”
Hill’s annual salary is $145,000 with a monthly $600 car allowance.
In January, the Talladega City Council voted to terminate Hill’s contract, citing “insubordination and lack of communication,” as was reported by the Talladega Daily Home.
In a December Talladega City Council meeting it was reported that Hill read a public statement about an amendment to his contract where he would have been required to get prior approval to travel outside the city while on city business.
“The lives of Black people under slavery in the South was controlled by a web of customs, rules and laws known as the slave codes,” Hill said. “Slaves could not travel without a written pass. They were forbidden to learn how to read and write. They could be searched at any time, and they couldn’t buy or sell things without a permit. There were numerous restrictions to enforce social controls. Slaves could not be away from their owners’ premises without…
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