Smyrna Town Manager Brian Hercules announces retirement

Smyrna Town Manager Brian Hercules announced his retirement Monday.

“It has been a privilege to work with the people of the town of Smyrna and to get to know its citizens during my six years as town manager," Hercules said in a press release. "I am excited about this new chapter in my life and look forward to spending more time with my family."

Smyrna Town Attorney Jeff Peach will serve as the interim town manager, according to the press release from spokeswoman Heather Kent.

The elected Smyrna Town Council and administration are committed to a comprehensive and transparent search for Hercules’ successor. Details of the recruitment and hiring process will be discussed at the upcoming Town Council Workshop on April 25, the press release added.

The Hercules retirement announcement comes about six weeks after over 71% of Smyrna voters in a referendum rejected his proposal to eliminate General Sessions Court for criminal cases. A majority of the council supported the referendum.

Fate of Smyrna General Sessions Court: Majority of divided Smyrna Town Council sets referendum for voters to decide on eliminating criminal court

The town manager also had faced complaints accusing him of intimidation and harassment from two Smyrna elected officials: Town Court Judge Brittany Stevens, who presides over criminal cases and municipal cases involving traffic and code violations; and Town Court Clerk Lisa Brewer.

Investigation request: Smyrna Judge Brittany Stevens' lawyer demands investigation of Town Manager Brian Hercules

Hercules by November requested an independent review of the complaints to clear him and prevent those issues from being a distraction during the March 5 referendum.

The town attorney by late December recommended the Smyrna Town Council use the government's contracted law firm Littler Mendelson P.C. for the independent review of the allegations against the town manager.

The government has not released any findings from the investigation.

More complaints emerge: Former Smyrna employee, town resident lodge complaints against Town Manager Brian Hercules

Smyrna Mayor Mary Esther Reed provided the following statement about Hercules.

“Throughout his tenure, Brian was a key figure in Smyrna’s growth, successfully overseeing the completion of projects that have significantly benefited the community."

Another complaint: Smyrna Court Clerk Lisa Brewer accuses Town Manager Brian Hercules of 'bullying and belittling behaviors'

Hercules was a leader in the town's efforts to sell 44 acres for nearly $5.4 million for the Sewart's Landing development by Motlow State Community College off Sam Ridley Parkway. The $215.6 million project includes plans for two medical office buildings expected to be up to 400,000 square feet, 250,000 square feet of retail with an expected grocery store, a 240-room hotel and a 75 townhomes.

'Very high-end development': Smyrna's Sewart's Landing to attract Starbucks, Jonathan's Grille, WaWa

Note: This story will be updated.

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This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Smyrna Town Manager Brian Hercules to retire