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Hernando Today

Fire District Names Budget Director

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By MIKE BATES and TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: February 5, 2009

Updated: 02/05/2009 09:11 pm

SPRING HILL - The fire district received one resume for its financial director opening and wasted no time scheduling an interview.

There was no point in taking another step in the search, said Spring Hill Fire Chief Mike Rampino. Terri L. McClanahan, of the Hernando County Office of Management and Budget, was hired.

"With her background, she pretty much knows where we are," Rampino said.

McClanahan, hired two-and-a-half years ago as assistant director of the county budget office, said she views her new job as a challenge.

She won't have much time to catch her breath. Her last day with the county is today and she starts on Monday morning in Spring Hill.

"There's a lot to do," she said. "I want to dive in and get busy."
McClanahan is tasked with helping structure a new business model from scratch. In November, Spring Hill residents voted overwhelmingly for an independent fire district.

All of the administrative responsibilities now fall on the district, so it is hiring for new positions. The first job opening was for budget director.

The budgetary duties were formerly performed by the county, including risk management and information technology services. They will shift to the district once a state bill is passed and Spring Hill is granted complete independence. That is expected to happen this year.
McClanahan said one of the first things she will do before recommending any additional hires will be to explore the rules governing special districts and see where the district needs to be positioned.

McClanahan, who made about $64,000 annually with the county, said her departure will also benefit the county, which is in the midst of streamlining departments and positions.

While she was not worried about losing her job at the county, she did foresee a possible change in title down the road, she said.

She was told the decision has already been made not to replace her. Budget Director George Zoettlein and other department staffers will take over her duties, she said.

With her leaving, the county's Office of Management and Budget will have five employees, down from eight.

Rampino said McClanahan's new salary will be about $66,500. She will receive the same benefits as the district's other employees.

The chief interviewed McClanahan last month along with Assistant Chief Bill Davies and fire commissioner Amy Brosnan, who has an accounting background.

"After she left, everyone in the room knew she would make a good fit," Rampino said.

The job description was prepared and distributed to county employees, the chief said. McClanahan was the first and only person to apply. Rampino was specifically looking for someone with a government accounting background.

Finding someone with a familiarity with the district was a bonus, he said.
McClanahan said it was a difficult decision to leave the county but views this as a "good career move."

Reporter Mike Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com. Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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