Goldsboro will start over in search for new director
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on January 18, 2007 1:53 PM
City Manager Joe Huffman was hoping to announce a hire this week.
Instead, he had other news -- Goldsboro is still without a new General Services director.
Applications have been processed and interviews have taken place, but Huffman said he and other staff have not yet found someone they are comfortable with.
"After the interviews, we felt like we needed to go back out and find the person who is right for the city," he said. "We're not there yet."
Some of those who applied for the post were "good folks," he added. Others simply met the minimum requirements for the job.
None stood out.
"We need somebody with a significant amount of management experience," Huffman said. "I'd rather spend a few more weeks to find the right person than hire the wrong person now."
The General Services Department is the largest in the city, with its director responsible for managing 130 employees in the city garage, at the cemetery and on utility, sanitation and street maintenance crews.
Huffman said for that reason, it is important to make certain that the new hire be ready for a long-term commitment to those individuals.
"We want to make sure this is somebody who stays with us for a while," he said. "We don't just want someone who's looking to stay a few years and gain experience."
Recently retired director Joe Sawyer will continue to serve until a hire is made and is "being compensated" for staying on, Huffman added. Sawyer originally took the post in 1989.
And while there is still no telling when his replacement will announces, Huffman said he hopes to have the situation resolved in the next few weeks.