Mason County names Travis Adams interim county administrator; commission approves search for permanent administrator

Mason County commissioners appointed Travis Adams as interim county administrator on June 2 and voted to begin a national search to post, interview and hire a permanent county administrator.

The move followed a briefing and expressions of support from commissioners and county leadership. Commissioner Sharon Trapps thanked Adams and the Sheriff for stepping up and called the appointment “an honorable” action to fill a temporary leadership gap.

The Board then voted to authorize the county to post, interview and hire for the permanent county administrator position. The motion to recruit and hire passed 2–1; one commissioner recorded a nay during the roll call on that item. The transcript did not identify which commissioner cast the single dissenting vote.

Commissioners discussed the merits of retaining an appointed county administrator. Supporters said a trained administrator improves operational efficiency and continuity; one commissioner said outreach to local officials and administrators convinced them a professional county administrator was in the public interest. A dissenting commissioner said they remained unconvinced the county needs the position at this time.

The Board did not set a public timeline for the recruitment in the public session. Staff said the agenda item would be posted and the recruitment process would proceed under county personnel rules.

The interim appointment takes effect immediately. The county will return to the Board with further recruitment materials and a hiring timeline when available.