Commissioner John Delaney used his board report on Aug. 7 to express concerns that the commission might move to appoint the interim county manager to the permanent post before completing an advertised national search. Delaney said he was "blindsided" by the added item on the Tuesday agenda and noted the county has received 57 applicants and will extend outreach to get more candidates.

Delaney stressed his comments were not a reflection on the interim county manager and said the board had authorized a national search to ensure due diligence. "It just it would be a better situation, in my opinion, is if we continue on with the process. And if he wants to be a part of that, if he would like to put an application, this way we could go to the public and say, look. We had a massive search, and we looked through all the candidates, and he's still the guy," Delaney said.

Chairman Felton replied that the commission would discuss the matter at its Tuesday meeting and "take as much time as we need to." No formal action was taken during the Aug. 7 planning and zoning meeting; Delaney asked that the full advertised process proceed before any permanent appointment.