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Hernando Today

Hamilton Gets Early Release

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By MICHAEL D. BATES, Hernando Today

Published: February 13, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - Newly hired Hernando County Administrator David Hamilton will start his new duties even sooner than expected.

On Tuesday, Hamilton asked his bosses in Crow Wing County, Minn., to waive the 60-day provision in his employment contract so he could begin duties in Hernando County.

They agreed, which means his last day of employment in Crow Wing is Feb. 29. He plans to be on the job here by March 17 and has already informed County Commissioner Chris Kingsley, he said.

"We all agreed it was in everyone's best interests to move forward," Hamilton said after his board met Tuesday.

Meanwhile, before Hernando County commissioners tackle their normal land use agenda today, they will consider a handful of consent agenda business items, among them the ratification of a revised employment contract for Hamilton.

The contract removes Hamilton's automatic 5 percent salary increase.

Instead, the contract reads: "After a satisfactory evaluation, (Hamilton's) contract will increase in the same manner as other employees effective October 2008."

To hold down costs, Hamilton said last week he was willing to forego his 5 percent raise county commissioners were scheduled to give him after five months on the job. That will save the county $6,750.

Instead, he will accept his starting salary of $135,000 and take whatever raise later in the year that other county employees get.

In his resignation letter formally presented to his Crow Wing commission board Tuesday, Hamilton, 58, said he had an "incredible experience" since taking that job in 2006.

"Although my time has been shorter than originally envisioned, I thank everyone from the county board, the department heads, the staff and the numerous good citizens of Crow Wing County for the opportunity of serving you as county administrator," Hamilton wrote.

Hamilton recently told Hernando Today that he is anxious to start his duties here and that his top priority will be to explore cost-cutting options for a balanced budget.

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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