County watchers wonder just how long does ‘interim’ mean

Tue, 03/11/2008 - 4:21pm
By: John Thompson

For just over a year, Fayette County’s government has operated with two senior employees in interim capacities.

Former Public Safety Director Jack Krakeel has served as the county’s administrator, while Deputy Chief Allen McCullough stepped into Krakeel’s slot as public safety director.

But if Krakeel and McCullough will soon be elevated to permanent status is anyone’s guess. Mum seems to be the word at the county complex, but county Executive Assistant Carol Chandler did confirm that a permanent status would have to be confirmed by the Fayette County Commission.

The shakeup at the county last April saw Administrator Chris Venice and Public Works Director Lee Hearn resign, along with longtime county attorney Bill McNally being replaced.

When Venice resigned, Commission Chairman Jack Smith said Krakeel would serve as interim administrator until a permanent successor could be found, but there are no confirmations that an active search is occurring.

Venice was hired this year as Tyrone’s town manager, and McNally became the town attorney.

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Submitted by swmbo on Tue, 03/11/2008 - 11:05pm.

There will be a search to keep up the appearance of being ethical. But mark my words, as soon as the defined benefit pension plan is in place (remember that they approved it in December) and the County Commission passes the raises in the upcoming FY'09 budget, suddenly, Krakeel will go back to being Public Safety Director. That way, he can retire from that position at a higher salary than he ever actually earned in that position and -- once retired and drawing that pension -- be selected as County Administrator (a contract position which is not eligible for retirement benefits) and draw another salary.

Don't waste time wondering how long he can be an "interim". You'd do better to wonder how high your taxes will go to pay for this commission's political patronage.

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