Administration of Fayette County's government will remain in county manager Billy Beckett's hands with the County Commission's approval last week of a new five-year contract setting his salary at $98,338, plus $500 a month for a car.

In addition to the new salary, the contract calls for annual review each June. If commissioners fail to provide the review by June 30 each year, Beckett automatically receives a 5 percent increase plus any cost of living adjustments paid to other county workers.

As further incentive to stay on, the contract calls for an additional $5,000 in deferred compensation.

The money will be paid into an account and given to Beckett, along with interest accrued, at the end of the five years as long as he fulfills the contract. If he quits before Aug. 31, 2003, Beckett forfeits the fund. If he dies before then his heirs receive the fund, and if he is fired he receives it.

Commissioners last week not only approved the new contract, but also presented Beckett with a clock and plaque in appreciation for his 14 years of prior service to the county.

That length of service in such a politically charged position is rare. In fact, Beckett's tenure is third in the state in longevity.

Commissioner Harold Bost, in presenting the award and making the motion to approve the new contract, said he hopes Beckett will work for Fayette County until he retires. "This contract takes us a third of the rest of the way to his retirement," said Bost, pointing out that Beckett is 50 years old and probably will work another 15 years.

He pointed out that Fayette County departments have won numerous state and national awards recently. "All of these areas are under the direction of Billy and his leadership has been a major force involved in these achievements."

Fayette is fortunate to have "the quality of a man in Billy Beckett that we are proud to be associated with Fayette County," Bost added.

In receiving the award, Beckett tossed the credit back to the commission and county workers. "We've been blessed in this community to have the wisdom and the foresight brought forward by the Board of Commissioners," he said, adding, "I just want the commissioners and others I've worked with in the past to know I'm thrilled by this award and appreciate it more than you can imagine."