County commission to seek administrator

County commission to seek administrator

By DOTTY NIST (DeFuniak Herald/Beach Breeze)

Current Walton County Administrator Lyle Siegler will be transitioning back into his previous position, county public works director, and Walton County will be seeking someone to fill the administrator position as a result of a Jan. 25 decision by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC).

The decision took place at the regular BCC meeting at the Walton County Courthouse in DeFuniak Springs.



Siegler had been named interim county administrator in October 2009, following the retirement of former administrator Ronnie Bell, and Siegler had then been confirmed as administrator in March 2010.

County Commission Chairman Larry Jones said he was proposing the reassignment after careful discussion with the Siegler and other staff members about their skills sets and the direction of the county.

Jones said those discussions for him had underscored Siegler's "tremendous" value to the county and had resulted in his conclusion that Siegler should be reassigned to lead Walton County Public Works again.

Jones noted that responsibilities assigned to public works have increased, with 25 percent more personnel working for the department than previously. He envisioned lobbying for the county's infrastructure and transportation needs to be among the many duties on Siegler's plate as public works director.
"We look forward to great things from Mr. Siegler leading our public works department," Jones said.

Jones hinted that Siegler, who was sitting at the end of the meeting table, would be more than willing to undertake the change in responsibilities. "Look at the smile on his face," he remarked.

Siegler indicated his willingness "to serve in any way a long as our county remains progressive." "God bless you," he told the commissioners. "Thank you for your commitment to the county," Jones responded.

Jones proposed that "in the coming weeks" the county "come up with the best means of naming an administrator."
Jones proposal, including Siegler's transition back into the public works director position, was approved by unanimous vote.

Starsky Harrell is current public works director, having been asked to serve as interim director to fill in for Siegler in the summer of 2009 and having been named department director in fall 2010.

Hopefully the Commissoners will allow a new administrator to do the job without their day to day interference. Until they do this noone can do the job. With the 5 of them and the 6th commissioner (Jerry Jones) telling the adminstrator who to hire and who to fire it is an impossible task.

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'Starsky Harrell is current public works director, having been asked to serve as interim director to fill in for Siegler in the summer of 2009 and having been named department director in fall 2010.'


So what is happening to the current public works director? Does he have a job?

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'Starsky Harrell is current public works director, having been asked to serve as interim director to fill in for Siegler in the summer of 2009 and having been named department director in fall 2010.'


So what is happening to the current public works director? Does he have a job?

Hi, Glenda, the story was written shortly after the close of the meeting, and sometimes one does not does not realize until too late that an important question was not asked. The transition had been discussed among all involved, and there was no mention of Mr. Harrell leaving. I would imagine that his position prior to becoming director was unfilled, since the county has been trying to keep from filling any open positions if possible and shifting duties to other employees. I will find out next week and let you know.

So what is happening to the current public works director? Does he have a job?[/QUOTE]

Glenda, I checked on this and got an answer yesterday. The plan is for Starsky Harrell to become deputy public works director when Lyle Siegler transitions back to director. The deputy director position is an authorized position that is unfilled at this time.

thank you. I was wondering about that again yesterday when I read the CC agenda.