The Catoosa County Commission agreed Tuesday to hire Ringgold City Manager Dan Wright to be its new county manager after the former manager abruptly stepped down earlier this month.
Alicia Vaughn, who had been the county manager since September 2018, announced her resignation this month. After her resignation, the board said in a news release it was "not at liberty to further discuss" the matter other than what was said at a public meeting when the commission accepted Vaughn's resignation.
Catoosa County Attorney Chad Young said at a prior commission meeting that Vaughn had told some employees that she was planning to resign. Young added Vaughn did not submit a prior notice but instead turned in her keys and left.
Last year, Wright was involved in an internal investigation after the former chief of police alleged Wright had placed a tracking device on his car. Wright had declined to comment on the allegation, and after the investigation the city council was advised by its attorney that city employees have no expectation of privacy while using city vehicles and the city "reserves the right to use tracking devices to ensure accountability and employee safety."
The council recommended clearly defining that policy in the employee handbook.
According to the city of Ringgold's website, Wright was appointed in 1993.
This is a developing story.
Contact Patrick Filbin at pfilbin @timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6476.