Oktibbeha County Seeks New Administrator
A fresh search for a new county administrator is in the works, according to a meeting held by the Board of Supervisors in Oktibbeha County. The board unanimously decided to begin advertising for the position during its Monday meeting, in light of the recent vacancy created in the county administration.
Board President and District 3 Supervisor, Marvell Howard, proposed that the Golden Triangle Planning and Development District (GTPDD) take on the responsibility of providing temporary assistance during the county’s budget season. This move, he suggested, will help the County navigate this period as it works towards appointing a new administrator. Howard’s motion to enter into a professional contract with GTPDD at an hourly rate for the temporary administrative assistance received unanimous support.
Ensuring Smooth Budget Preparation
The services provided by GTPDD as part of the contract include assisting county officials with the budget preparations for next year, handling tax calculations, and performing needed administrative duties including organizing the annual budget hearing. The contract states that the majority of the work should be completed by October.
However, this sudden need for an interim solution arose after the board agreed to remove the former County Administrator Delois Farmer on August 13. The circumstances surrounding her departure stirred some confusion among the supervisors about whether she was terminated or resigned. Regardless of this, the county is left with a leadership gap to fill.
Ensuring Smooth Operations in the Interim
The biggest concern addressed during the meeting was the smooth operation of the county until a permanent administrator is hired. When asked about whether appointing GTPDD to provide interim services was crucial, County Comptroller Deanna Collier noted that, given the timing, this might be the most efficient solution, at least for now. Howard maintained that it might be unfair to pass all the administrative duties on to Collier during this limbo.
On the matter of fairness, District 2 Supervisor Orlando Trainer stressed the importance of the county’s welfare above anything else. Trainer advised that the focus should be on appointing a suitable permanent county administrator quickly instead of relying on outside help.
A Pool of Serious Applicants
Howard maintained that they were not procrastinating filling the position permanently. Supervisor Pattie Little inquired about the timeframe for new applicants to get into a position in the county, to which Trainer responded that it’s up to the board’s discretion. Trainer maintained that it’s the board’s prerogative to appoint a new administrator at any time.
Layman’s language was added to the contract allowing the county to terminate it at any time with 30 days’ notice to GTPDD. Following this amendment, the board unanimously agreed to assign Howard to be the “main point person” to make decisions and keep the county running until a new permanent administrator is hired.
A Call for Qualified Candidates
Trainer encouraged candidates currently working for the county, among others, to apply for the county administrator position, stating that the county needs the best possible person for the job. The impromptu dismissal of the former administrator not only leaves a vacuum to be filled but also sets a precedent for future appointments and dismissals.
This twists and turns in the county’s politics further emphasize the need for transparency in public office. The board hopes to fill the vacant position as soon as possible with the best-suited candidate to steer the county in the right direction. Thus, they welcome qualified candidates to come forward and serve their community.
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