Administrator candidate backs out day before vote

Salary, willingness of some to move during difficult economic times may be a factor in the failure to fill job.

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By Lauren Pack, Staff Writer 9:07 PM Saturday, February 4, 2012

After eight months without a county administrator it appeared that a new leader had finally been found. A contract was inked and a Thursday vote scheduled.

But the day before the vote, the candidate turned down the job and $117,500 salary, citing family issues.

The county has been without a full-time administrator since June when Bruce Jewett left the post to become Butler County United Way president and chief executive officer.

In November, after spending $15,000, the commission terminated an agreement with an independent management consulting firm to find a new administrator.

At that time, Commissioner Don Dixon said, “We are going a different way.”

The commission cited the lack of willingness of some to move during difficult economic times as well as the salary Butler County can offer — $100,000 to $125,000 annually — as factors in the failure to find an administrator.

This week, Commissioner Cindy Carpenter said that may still be a factor.

“It might be the economy, the risk of leaving a job where you are established and going to a new position, which might not work out, puts them in a financial risk,” said Carpenter, who added she is disappointed the latest candidate did not accept.

Carpenter said the commission is still seeking candidates through state and national county commission associations.

Commissioner Charles Furmon said the political scandals in the past few years that resulted in criminal convictions of former officerholders may also have made recruiting difficult.

“I think it plays a part,” Furmon said.

“We do background checks on the candidates, I am sure they are doing the same about us.”

Furmon said the commission will push on with the search for a new administrator. He, too, said he is disappointed to lose an impressive candidate.

Dixon said Thursday, “There is no reason to rush. Everything is under control.”

He noted the county has had competent leadership during the past months in the absence of an administrator.

Assistant County Administrator Pete Landrum made it known he was interested in the position, but did not apply. And Assistant County Administrator Gary Sheets said he, too, was interested but did not apply when the commission launched a nation-wide search.

The interim Administrator Mike Campbell, the county Port Authority executive director, said he has no interest in pursuing the job permanently.

Contact this reporter  at (513) 820-2168 or lauren.pack@coxinc.com.

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