County To Rethink Tuition Program

This past fall, County Administrator David Hamilton decided to continue pursuing the doctorate of public administration he began five years ago.

He was forced to take a break from his studies when he moved to Hernando County in March 2008 to begin his new job here.

To that end, he took advantage of the county's tuition reimbursement program and enrolled in online courses from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn.

At Tuesday's meeting, county commissioners learned that Hamilton's tuition expense came to $2,628 for four hours of course work.

The maximum tuition reimbursement allowed under the county's program is $1,166.40.

Commissioners decided, especially with the current economic crisis hitting Hernando County, the state and nation, that it is time to take a hard look at the tuition program.

The board voted 5-0 to table Hamilton's request pending further discussion on a potential moratorium on tuition reimbursement for all government employees.

No date was set for that discussion.

"I'd like a complete revisit of that policy," Commissioner Jim Adkins said. "Times have changed."

Commissioner Rose Rocco said now is not the time to grant Hamilton's request.

Education is a "terrific thing," Rocco said. But if he wants to pursue his education, even if it helps him with his job, he should pay for it on his own dime, especially since government is asking taxpayers and staffers to tighten up during these times, she said.

Commissioner Jeff Stabins said he agrees with Rocco "philosophically."

However, from a legal standpoint, he wasn't sure the board could deny the request, especially since the tuition reimbursement was written into his contract.

County Attorney Garth Coller said he believes the county is obligated to pay for Hamilton's course work because of a contractual obligation.

Civic activist Janey Baldwin, citing Hamilton's annual salary of $135,000 ($177,805 with benefits) she said she would be embarrassed "to ask the taxpayers of this county to help pay my tuition - especially when we have a financial crisis going on."

In a memo, Hamilton said he is completing a two-part series of papers focusing on counties, such as Hernando, situated on the furthest edges of metropolitan statistical areas.

"This academic work has led me to the position of your county administrator while providing a contemporary source of research and guidance as we prepare for our future," Hamilton wrote.

Hamilton told Hernando Today in an earlier interview that he plans to finish his degree in four-and-a-half 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.