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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
DATE: December 2, 2014
TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board
FROM: Kay Godwin
SUBJECT: County Administrator Selection Process
DEPARTMENT: Human Resources
BCC DISTRICT: All
STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Board discussion of how to re-fill the position of County
Administrator.
BACKGROUND: Ordinance No. 93-17, passed by the Board of County Commissioners in May
1993 created the office of County Manager for Okaloosa County, Florida. The title later became
known as County Administrator under contract with James D. Curry entered into in July 2005.
The ordinance stipulates that the appointment of a County Manager shall be by an affirmative
vote of not less than three (3) members of the Board of County Commissioners. Beyond that,
there are no requirements as to the procedures that must be followed with respect to filling a
vacancy in the position of County Administrator.
Upon the resignation of Mr. Curry in 2013, the Board utilized the executive recruitment services
of Colin Baenziger & Associates (CB&A) who offered a warranty as part of their fixed fee of
$21,500. Their warranty stated, “If the selected individual leaves for any reason other than an
Act of God (such as total incapacitation or death) within [the] first year, CB&A will repeat the
search at no charge for our services. If he/she departs during the next year for any reason other
than an Act of God, we will repeat the search for the reimbursement of our expenses only.” Mr.
Ernie Padgett was hired in April 2013, and left in October 2014, past the first year, but within the
second year. Therefore, should the Board determine to utilize the services of CB&A, the County
would only be charged for their expenses in conducting the search. Mr. Baenziger has estimated
his expenses would be approximately $7500 to $9500, and would anticipate a time frame of 90
days to complete a new search.
Upon Mr. Padgett’s resignation effective October 1, 2014, the Board appointed John Hofstad to
serve as Interim County Administrator. His contract period is 90 days, with a provision for
extensions of time, if needed.
OPTIONS: Board discussion of how to re-fill the position of County Administrator. As
Ordinance 93-17 does not establish a required selection process, the Board has the authority to
utilize any approach that it believes would be appropriate. This could include consideration of
internal candidates for the position (current county employees); consideration of external
candidates for the position; utilizing the executive recruitment services of Colin Baenziger &
Associates as outlined in their contract warranty; or establishing an alternative selection process.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Provide direction as desired by the Board.
RECOMMENDED BY:
APPROVED BY:
John Hofstad, Interim County Administrator