Hamilton Pursues Ph.D From Minn. University

It's back to the books for County Administrator David Hamilton.

Taking a break from studies when he moved to Hernando County in March, Hamilton said he will continue this fall to pursue the doctorate of public administration he began five years ago.

He plans to take advantage of the county's tuition reimbursement program and take online courses from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn.

Estimated cost to taxpayers: about $3,000 per year for the next 4 1/2 years.

One commissioner, Rose Rocco, said she has no problem with higher learning but believes Hamilton should set a good example and reconsider using taxpayer money to help defray his tuition costs.

"It would set a good example," Rocco said.

Hamilton's contract includes the same reimbursement policy available to all county employees, which includes a $3,000 cap per year for studies up to the master's level. Hamilton's contract makes allowance for a doctorate level degree.

Hamilton said he plans to finish his degree in 4 1/2 years, which coincides with the end of his contracted tenure with Hernando County.

Hamilton said his studies will help him in his job and his classes will have a direct bearing and relevance to the issues confronting him in Hernando County. He's already had a course in land use planning, he said.

And, subject to academic approval, he has already submitted the draft of a proposed self-directed study subject that explores the merits of combining the Spring Hill and county fire departments.

"If the citizens are contributing in part to the cost of the degree then there should be value to the final product of the study and research," he said. "I've tried to use that in all three counties that I've served in."

He said he will present his request for tuition reimbursement at an upcoming county commission meeting.

Hamilton, the former county administrator of Crow Wing, Minn., said he will do the online courses on his own time, and it will not require him to travel to Hamline.

Rocco balked at the tuition allowance when Hamilton was hired in March. She called it too generous at a time when Hernando County must pinch pennies and prepare for a difficult budget year.

She still believes that and is hoping Hamilton will reconsider availing himself of the allowance, especially when the county is asking the rest of the employees to scale back.

"Looking at the economic situation we have right now and the cuts we will have to make ... I think it's fair that this should be something that could be renegotiated," Rocco said.

"I give him credit for wanting to further his education, but the cost to the taxpayer has to be considered, especially at this point in time," she said.

Hamilton is also gearing up for his six-month evaluation from county commissioners, which is due by mid-September.

When he was hired, Hamilton, citing tight budgetary times, declined the 5 percent raise county commissioners were scheduled to give him after six months on the job.

Instead, he accepted his starting salary of $135,000 and said he would take whatever raise later in the year that other county employees get. With benefits, Hamilton makes $177,805 annually.

Jacqui Getty, spokeswoman for the privately funded Hamline University, said the dissertation portion of receiving a doctorate of public administration can be completed without visiting the campus.

Hamilton, she said, will work with a university dissertation committee as he forges his way toward his degree, which - given the typical 10-year timeline for the Ph.D -- should take until 2012-13, she said.

Interim Human Resources Director Jerry Haines said Hamilton had not submitted a request for tuition reimbursement as of Thursday.