New Anderson purchasing agent hired

May 14--CLINTON -- A new committee named as part of a change in the way Anderson County prepares and oversees financial matters has hired a new purchasing agent.

Tony Foreman, a Kingsport resident, was hired recently by six members of the seven-member Anderson County Finance Committee and will begin work June 6 in preparation for the county's transition to the new system, which goes into effect July 1.

Foreman was one of four finalists interviewed for the post, formerly held by Pam Cotham. His annual salary will be the same as what Cothan was paid -- $59,670.

Committee Chairman Myron Iwanski, one of three county commissioners on the committee, said Foreman was previously the purchasing agent for the Tennessee Eastman Company in Kingsport before a brief foray into the insurance business. "He decided he wanted to get back into purchasing," Iwanski said.

Foreman's hiring completes the personnel changes that have been made since the county changed budget systems -- going from a five-member Budget Committee chaired by the county mayor to the seven-member Finance Committee. Former finance director Chris Phillips and Cotham both cited the transition as reasons for their decisions to seek other employment.

Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank lobbied against the change, which removed most of her powers in overseeing budget talks and decisions, and vetoed the move. But commissioners in a 16-0 vote overrode her veto.

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