Local Radar

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County Council special called meeting

web posted August 25, 2006

EDGEFIELD – The Edgefield County Council held a special called meeting Thursday night at the Council Chambers on Jeter Street. All council members were present along with the departing Administrator Wayne Adams. The meeting was announced as an executive session regarding a personnel issue. After calling the meeting to order, Chairman Kneece stated there was no need to conduct an executive session.

Chairman Kneece stated he had been in touch with the Upper Savannah Council of Governments (USCOG) and wished to have them advertise for the position left open by Mr. Adams’ announcement he was taking a job in Newberry County. Mr. Kneece stated he would like for USCOG to also weed out the unqualified candidates and give the county council 15 to 20 applicants to choose from.

Councilman Hudson indicated rather than a set number perhaps the council should seek a percentage of the total number of applicants. “Maybe ten of fifteen percent,” Mr. Hudson said. Mr. Kneece stated the last time the county advertised there were 140 applicants.

Mr. Kneece also stated the council would need to look into hiring a temporary administrator during the search. Councilman Kitchens stated that due to Mr. Adams hiring “highly qualified” people in his office he did not see the need in hiring a temporary administrator or perjaps the council assume the duties. Mr. Kneece stated a county councilman could not serve as the administrator.

Also at issue were the qualifications the county would use in advertising the job. Mr. Adams stated there were no qualifications required for the position. However, state law does state a county administrator must be hired for their “executive and administrative” qualifications only. Clearly having administrative experience is a requirement. Mr. Adams had no such experience when he began in the position. Mr. Adams also suggested the applicant have a Masters degree for the job. Another qualification Mr. Adams did not possess at the time of his hiring eleven years ago.

The council finally decided to have the qualifications used by USCOG sent to them before the next council meeting on September 5 for the council to review. The motion was made to allow the position to be advertised and the council approved the matter unanimously.

With no other business, the meeting was adjourned.

 

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