County begins administrator recruitment and planning director search; HAPO Center master plan workshop set for Jan. 22

Franklin County staff told commissioners Jan. 8 that the county will begin recruiting a new county administrator this week, is continuing the search for a planning director after a candidate withdrew, and has scheduled a HAPO Center master-planning workshop and advisory meeting for Wednesday, Jan. 22, with an open house planned that evening.

"We are starting that work, here, actually this week," said Mr. Johnson, the county administrator, describing the recruitment process and noting that commissioners would be engaged throughout. He said board appointee recommendations will come back to the board next week for final approval. Johnson also said individual meetings with board members are underway on the HAPO Center master plan and that staff will return with a finalized document for board consideration.

Commissioners and community members described recent volunteer cleanup work at the HAPO Center on Dec. 26, where more than 30 volunteers removed debris, trimmed trees and cleared vines; commissioners thanked volunteers and staff who provided lunch and materials. One commissioner noted donated masonry and doors installed for locker-room needs.

Members of the public raised concerns about HAPO Center contract oversight and requested a quantitative review. A public commenter said the county is overdue on a contract quantity report tied to HAPO operations and urged the county administrator to enforce contract terms or refer the matter to the prosecuting authority if necessary.

County staff also said the HAPO advisory committee will review master-planning outputs at the Jan. 22 meeting. No formal policy decisions were made at the Jan. 8 meeting; staff indicated further workshops and city-agreement discussions will follow once the master plan is finalized.