Commissioners approve recruitment for full‑time school project manager funded by general fund

The Transylvania County Board of Commissioners authorized recruitment for a full‑time project manager/project engineer to oversee school capital bond projects, with staff asking that the county budget an annualized amount of $123,104 to cover salary and benefits.

County staff said the position will manage major renovation projects identified in the bond scope and will be separate from the existing 0.75 FTE project engineer who will continue to handle county projects. The recommended budgeted amount of $123,104 reflects a salary at the stated 20‑year midpoint of $88,709 plus FICA, retirement, health and other benefits; staff noted the position must be funded from the county general fund because bond proceeds cannot be used to pay county employees.

Under the proposed hiring process, a subcommittee comprising two commissioners, two board of education members, the county manager and the superintendent will help interview and recommend candidates; the hired project manager would be a county employee required to present regularly to both boards. Human Resources reviewed pay ranges and said the proposed compensation is consistent with the county’s compensation plan; staff noted if recruitment shows insufficient qualified applicants the county could revisit classification or budget.

Commissioners moved and seconded the recruitment request and approved it by unanimous voice vote. Supporters argued the role will provide day‑to‑day project oversight that can reduce change‑order risk and long‑term costs; one commissioner cited a recent review that reduced a proposed 20% change order to a 10% change after staff review.

Staff will begin recruitment and expects selections in the first quarter of 2025, with subcommittee formation anticipated in January. If a candidate outside the budgeted pay range is the preferred hire, staff said it would return to the board for a budget amendment.