By George Rush and WIZS News Staff
Former County Manager Jerry Ayscue announced his retirement in August 2014 after 30 years as Vance County’s first and only manager starting in 1984. He gave the Board of Commissioners six months notice and actually retired in January 2015.
At the time of his retirement, one of the commissioners noted that “It will be hard to replace someone like Jerry.” Several commissioners commented that Jerry had been here a long time and had a great wealth of knowledge, and with his leaving, the County was losing a great treasure.
Now, the position after eight months is still not filled. Robert Murphy was appointed Interim County Manager in January 2015 and remains on the job. The position was advertised, interviews were held, but still no appointment. What is the holdup, and what are some of the possibilities:
• After all the interviews, no one was qualified.
• Several candidates were qualified, but did not meet the strict standards set by the Board.
• Too many candidates were qualified and the Board could not make up its collective mind.
• Deputy County Manager, Jordan McMillen, who is also the Director of Planning and Development in still in the race.
The County seems to be in good hands with the current employees. Vance County continues to function along the same lines as it has for the past 30 years.
So What’s the Problem? Why no new, full-time County Manager? What is it that the Vance County Commissioners can’t agree on? Stay tuned…
