Germantown Mayor Should Remain Part-Time

Deep Dive into the Referendum: Why I believe Germantown Mayor Should Remain Part-Time

This is not about a person. It’s about policy—and the facts.

The previous BMA didn’t take a clear position on making the Mayor full-time. Instead, they pushed it to a referendum on a narrow 3–2 vote—without defining the job, responsibilities, or full cost. Voters are now being asked to say “yes” or “no” without knowing what they’re actually approving.

Here’s what we do know:

• No comparable city in Tennessee has a full-time Mayor and three full-time administrative staff.
• High-performing peer cities like Collierville, Franklin, and Brentwood pay their part-time mayors between $12K–$39K annually.
• Effective mayors—part-time or not—are expected to be accessible 24/7. This is part of that “volunteer spirit” every Germantown Mayor has committed to.

 

Now here’s what voters are not being told:

• Total compensation beyond the $140K+ salary
• Benefits and pension eligibility (potentially adding ~35% in long-term taxpayer cost)
• Defined duties and authority of the role
• Whether this change eliminates or duplicates existing administrative positions

Those are not minor details—they are fundamental. And they’re missing.

This resolution and referendum passed is incomplete. Plain and simple.

So why was it rushed forward? The timeline raises real questions. The vote to send this to referendum happened just days before a new board was elected—when it was already clear the outcome might change if I were in office. It was no secret that I was opposed. Was this about transparency, or beating the clock?

 

Now consider what happens if it passes:

The voters still won’t define the job—the BMA will. After the election. They will set the duties, salary, and scope of power after your vote is locked in. The voter has no say. That’s backwards.

Even more concerning:

• The process to define the role could be fast-tracked with minimal public input
• “Notwithstanding” language allows the salary increase to take effect by January 1, 2027—bypassing the standard multi-cycle delay
• If an Alderman abstains in the process, the Mayor could end up voting on their own salary, benefits, and responsibilities

 

That defies basic governance principles.

We are being asked to approve a significant change to Germantown’s Charter—our city’s constitution—without the most basic facts.

That’s not transparency. That’s a blank check.

I oppose this referendum because voters deserve full, accurate information before making a decision of this magnitude. To date, even official communications have included incomplete or inaccurate details. Misinformation is unacceptable, it erodes trust.

Early voting begins April 15. Election Day is May 5.

Know the facts.

Vote accordingly.

I will be voting NO.

The time is now to create a movement rooted in accountability and transparency.

 

I will earn your trust.

I will prove my passion to serve with transparency.

I will separate wants vs needs for the better of the community.

I will set clear priorities and use disciplined action.

 

Tony Salvaggio- Alderman and Germantown Mayoral Candidate

 

As I prepare to campaign for Mayor, I am committed to engaging our citizens consistently, directly, and objectively about the challenges we face, the goals we must pursue, and the pathways to achieve them. You may agree or disagree with my conclusions—but true leadership does not avoid hard conversations. It confronts them with clarity, transparency, and respect for the people who fund this government. These are conversations you deserve.