Search continues for new Goldsboro general services director
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on December 1, 2006 1:45 PM
As Goldsboro General Services Director Joe Sawyer prepares for his Dec. 29 retirement, interviews for his replacement are currently under way at City Hall.
City Manager Joe Huffman said so far, several candidates have met with members of the city management team -- each impressive in his own way.
"Everybody we interviewed was very strong," Huffman said. "It's going to be a tough decision."
It is never easy replacing someone who has been with the city for more than a decade, he added, but still, he expects to have a quality hire soon.
"I would hope we can have a decision made in the next week or two," Huffman said. "Probably two weeks. Once we narrow it down, we'll bring a few folks back in for another meeting."
But with holidays rapidly approaching, there is no telling whether that goal can be met. Bumps in the road are consistent with this time of year, he added.
"Sometimes those plans get turned upside-down," Huffman said. "During the holiday season, it's difficult to get people together."
Still, filling the soon-to-be vacant post is a top priority at City Hall, he added. Officials are also seeking a replacement for retiring Fire Chief Bobby Greenfield, another longtime department head and valued member of the leadership team.
And in the event that the holiday season causes unforeseen problems, both hires will become effective shortly after the beginning of next year, Huffman said.
"Ideally we'll have someone in by January," he said. "That would be the most favorable outcome."
Sawyer took the post in November 1989. Since that time, he has overseen the city garage, countless utility and street maintenance projects, the cemetery and sanitation crews.