Board creates part-time deputy county administrator position at about $20,000 per year

The Richland County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 25-33 on May 2025 to create a part-time deputy county administrator position to provide backup and project leadership for county administration.

The resolution, moved by Supervisor McKee and seconded by Supervisor Kramer, establishes a temporary assignment-style deputy post at an estimated $20,000 per year (calculated at 60% of the administrator’s salary for roughly 10 hours per week). The position is not intended to be a separate advertised hire but rather an appointment to a specific person who will retain their existing position and assume deputy duties.

Why it matters: Board members and staff said the county administrator’s workload is large and that short-term coverage and an identified project lead would improve continuity and capacity. Supervisors requested clarity on appointment authority and on how the deputy appointment would interact with the deputy’s existing duties and benefits.

Key points from discussion - Duties and hours: The county administrator said the deputy would take the lead on a project or two and provide coverage when the administrator is absent. The position was described as 10–15 hours per week; supervisors asked that hours be tracked to ensure the role is not under- or over-resourced. - Appointment authority: The administrator and several supervisors said the intent is that the county administrator appoint the deputy; the board discussed whether that appointment should be confirmed by the board or set out in the job description. County staff indicated the means of appointment and more detailed duties would be clarified in the job description rather than in the resolution. - Compensation and benefits: The part-time deputy is set at $20,000 annually (the board said part-time county employees do not receive benefits). Supervisors asked how the deputy’s day-job duties would be backfilled and whether the county would need additional support; the administrator said she would evaluate internal bandwidth prior to appointing anyone.

Outcome and follow-up - The board adopted the resolution. The administrator will identify a candidate and develop a job description that specifies duties, appointment mechanism and oversight. The administrator will also track hours and report to the board if additional support or compensation adjustments become necessary.

Ending: The board’s action creates a short-term administrative capacity expansion; the county administrator will return to the board with implementation details and any recommended adjustments.