Interim county head may become permanent

By DAVE HAMRICK
dhamrick@TheCitizenNews.com

Cohesiveness between the Fayette County Commission and county staff will be Chris Cofty's main focus for the next six months, he said.

“It was kind of a surprise to me,” Cofty said after the commission voted to continue his status as interim county administrator for at least six months.

After the trial period, commissioners will decide whether to offer him the job permanently, and if they do, Cofty will decide whether he wants it.

Commissioners appointed Cofty to fill in after firing former County Administrator Billy Beckett June 26, and have scheduled discussions of launching a search for a new administrator at three different commission meetings, tabling the matter the first two times.

During last week's meeting, commissioners said they aren't in any hurry to set up a nationwide search.

“Because of the calibre of our staff from top to bottom, everything is rolling along just fine,” said commission Chairman Harold Bost. “I have not been in any hurry to pursue this matter, and I am still not in any hurry.”

Commissioner Herb Frady added he believes Cofty is doing a good job. “I don't mind waiting a little longer, and I would hesitate to reach out too far,” he said, adding that he prefers to promote from within the organization.

The smooth transition, Bost said, “is a tribute to everybody... every employee at every level.”

Cofty agreed. “Our employees in general are superb. We've got some great staff people here,” he said.

His main goal, Cofty said, is to run the county's day to day operations in a businesslike manner. “We need to show that we are spending the tax dollars the best way we can, taking a careful look at the budgeted items to make sure we don't buy a Cadillac when we only needed a Chevrolet,” he said.

Cofty isn't sure whether he'll be a candidate for the permanent job when his six months probation period is over, but he is enjoying the work so far, he said.

“I always enjoyed working with Billy,” he added. “Billy is a super guy.”