Editorials

Incomplete job listing likely to hinder county's administrator search

TBO.com
Published: February 26, 2012

Recently, one of our columnists, Neil Johnson, wrote a piece on the county's search for an administrator.

It was, as the writer portrayed, more of a tourist centered travelogue. While it is important to highlight some of the attributes of Hernando County he pointed out some obvious embellishments that were questionable.

It seems to us that anyone interested in the position would do their own homework and Google the county to find out all the information they desire. The advertisement also pointed out the fact of our short-term longevity of administrators which could cause a potential candidate to think twice about entering the arena of Hernando politics.

We have previously made suggestions as to what the county should be advertising in its search for a new administrator. To begin with we recommended that the ad begin with a requirement for a college degree with an emphasis on public administration and preferably a master's degree.

Another requirement should be that the applicant held a similar position in a comparable county or as a qualified assistant to that position. Strong managerial talent combined with good people skills including good communication skills.

One skill that is among the most important is a strong background in municipal financing and budgeting. The preceding, while not all inclusive, should be the absolute minimum requirements acceptable.

What we don't need is to have someone earn while they learn because quite frankly we as a county cannot afford to go that route. We also should not be looking to hire someone at a minimal salary but rather one that is commensurate with experience and comparative with other similar type positions.

The county commissioners should make sure that the minimum requirements were included to insure that we got the best candidates possible. Instead it appears that we may be headed to a selection by necessity rather than one driven by qualifications.