On September 24, 2013, Smyrna Town Manager Mark O’Neal offered his letter of resignation to the Smyrna Town Council. O’Neal has supervised the general administration of the Town’s departmental operations and employees for the past eleven years. While his existing contract requires a thirty-day notice, O’Neal has agreed to continue his role as Town Manager until his successor is named.  

“Mark has devoted more than twenty years of service to Smyrna”, said Mayor Mary Esther Reed. “The Council Members and I are honored to have worked with him.  He was at all times the consummate professional and guided the Town through some very difficult times.”  

“I am very proud of the accomplishments of our Town over my tenure as Town Manager”, said O’Neal in his letter of resignation. “Our Town has continued to grow and prosper because of the unity of focus of citizens, businesses, Town employees and leaders, O’Neal added. “It has been an honor to be associated with such a wonderful group of employees.”  

The search for Smyrna’s new Town Manager will begin in early October.  

The letter stated:

As you are all aware, during the past few weeks, Mayor Reed and Vice-Mayor Adkins, along with several other members of the Council, have had conversations with me regarding the Council’s desire for a “fresh set of eyes” in the role of Town Manager. I do understand that this change is about new ideas in the management of the Town and is not disciplinary in nature. I am grateful for the many encouraging comments and complements that have been expressed to me during these discussions.   While I very much appreciate the offer to step down into the Director of Utilities position, I believe that such a move at this time is not in the best interest of my family or the Town.   

Therefore, as per Section 8, Items (1) and (2) of my Employment Agreement with the Town of Smyrna executed on April 10, 2004, I am terminating the “Employment Agreement for Good Reason”.  I am requesting the entitled severance benefits as detailed in Section 6.  In addition, as per the Employment Agreement, this letter shall serve as the required thirty (30) day notice of the termination of said Agreement.  In order to assist in an efficient transition, I am offering to continue my employment as Town Manager past the thirty (30) day notice date, either through January 3, 2014, or until such time as the Town Council has employed my successor, whichever shall occur first. The ability to continue in this role, however, is contingent upon my availability in regards to other future employment opportunities with other employers. 

It has been a great privilege to serve my hometown for 21 years in several capacities, including the past 11 years as Town Manager.  I am very proud of the accomplishments of our Town over my tenure as Town Manager. There are many milestones that come to mind, too many to list in this correspondence. Our Town has continued to grow and prosper because of the unity of focus of citizens, businesses, Town employees and leaders. We have made great improvements to Town services and facilities. I believe a large majority of the credit for these improvements should be given to the employees of the Town of Smyrna.  

Our employees work hard everyday to provide quality services to our citizens. It has been an honor to be associated with such a wonderful group of employees. I want to express my profound gratitude to Kevin Arnold, Jeff Craig, Bill Culbertson, Rex Gaither, David King, Robert Kulp, John Lanza, Hal Loflin, Mike Moss, Jeff Peach, Kevin Rigsby, Steve Smith and Dianne Waldron, the most dedicated group of Directors/Department Heads I have ever known. It has been a tremendous pleasure leading these talented professionals. In addition, I am indebted to Roseanne Peppers and Holly Earls who have provided me with exemplary administrative support.  They work tirelessly day in and day out to provide our citizens with great service and advise in our Administration Department.  

To each of you, thank you for the opportunity serve with you. I appreciate your commitment to the citizens of the Town and count each of you as friends. I pray that God blesses you and your families as you continue to serve the Town of Smyrna. 

Sincerely,  

Mark T. O’Neal