St. Lucie County will launch national search for new administrator; Tipton to leave Jan. 12
ST. LUCIE COUNTY — The county will launch a nationwide search for new county administrator ideally a seasoned candidate with experience in Florida.
The County Commission Tuesday discussed the process to replace Howard Tipton, who was hired by Longboat Key Monday to become the barrier island's next town manager.
A search firm likely will be hired, with a budget of up to $35,000. The commission will officially review the search and cost Sept. 20.
The county also plans to conduct a salary study for the position, according to spokesperson Erick Gill.
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Tipton, 64, formally submitted his resignation to county commissioners Monday. His last day will be Jan 12.
"During my time with this board and prior boards, I have witnessed firsthand how commissioners have provided St. Lucie with vision and leadership during some of the most challenging times of my long career," Tipton wrote in his resignation letter.
The James Madison University and University of Central Florida alumnus will start his new job Jan. 30 at a $211,500 salary.
Tipton has been county administrator since 2014, responsible for overseeing a $615 million budget that serves roughly 343,000 residents.
Commissioners were unanimous Tuesday in their support for a nationwide search and public involvement during interviews.
"We owe it to our residents to do a nationwide search," Commissioner Cathy Townsend said.
For Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky, it's crucial to have an administrator experienced with utilities since the county is expanding its water and wastewater systems to meet demands of growth.
And while experience in Florida government would be attractive, Dzadovsky emphasized that the board should remain open to out-of-state candidates as well.
Commission Chairman Sean Mitchell and others also encouraged internal candidates to apply.
St. Lucie's plan to select a new county administrator differs from how Martin County replaced Taryn Kryzda when she retired in June.
In January, the Martin County Commission promoted Deputy County Administrator Don Donaldson in to succeed Kryzda. She recommended Donaldson, and the County Commission agreed without conducting an outside search.
Olivia McKelvey is TCPalm's watchdog reporter for St. Lucie County. You can reach her at olivia.mckelvey@tcpalm.com, 772-521-4380 and on Twitter @olivia_mckelvey.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: St. Lucie County eyes national search to replace departing Howard Tipton
