The County Administrator Position.
During this campaign I’ve been asked many times about the newly created County Administrator position. I feel this is an important indicator of where our county’s leadership is today and I think it warrants discussion.
The duties of the County Administrator include overseeing the daily operations of the County and providing oversight and direction of the various department heads. The County Administrator also is an intermediary for the Commissioners, relieving the daily tasks from the elected officials and providing less direct public access.
It has been stated that the County Administrator’s position was created to mirror that of the Springfield City Administrator. In comparison, the City Administrator’s role is to function in the absence of a full time Mayor and City Council. The Mayor of Springfield contributes many hours of time to the position, however, the City Mayor is not provided a “wage” to fulfill the post.
Likewise, in lesser-populated counties, such as in a second or third class county, a County Administrator may make more sense, if economically feasible. The elected officials of a second or third class county may not be “full time” commissioners. The commissioner’s salary in those smaller counties is significantly less and they may need to have employment outside of their elected position to earn a living.
In a first class county, like Greene County, the commissioners earn a little over $71,000 per year (1). I feel those elected officials should be “full time” and should focus their efforts and energy on the operation of the County. Furthermore our County Administrator is a non-elected position and is free to function without voter scrutiny. Greene County’s Administrator position pays $108,430, a 35% increase over the Presiding Commissioner's pay. This raises the question of priorities. This position was created when County employees had not seen a cost of living raise in several years and while the Sheriffs department is having to operate 30 officers short, putting both the officers and the jailers potentially in harms way.
Upon being elected Presiding Commissioner, I will recommend eliminating the County Administrator position in the up-coming budget year and restore the public’s ability to contact, deal with, and hold accountable all of the elected commissioners, including the Presiding Commissioner.
Indications are that this up-coming budget year will be very difficult. The State Legislature will be forced to reduce its reimbursement rates to the County and sales tax revenues are projected to fall below the 2004 levels. It is my opinion that a County Administrator is a luxury position that Greene County cannot afford.
I stand ready to pick up the reins as Presiding Commissioner and do the job you hire me to do.
Note: Long time County employee Tim Smith was promoted to County Administrator shortly after the position was created. The elimination of the position is not a reflection or opinion of Mr. Smith or the performance of his duties as County Administrator. Nor does it indicate or imply that his employment with the county will be terminated.
(1)
Greene County Presiding Commissioner $73,866.00
Greene County Associate Commissioner $71,866.00
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P.O. Box 176
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