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Martin County hires James Bennett as county manager after closed-session interview
Summary
After a closed-session interview, the Martin County Board of Commissioners voted 3-1 on Jan. 26 to hire James Bennett as county manager, with a planned start date of Feb. 1, 2021; Commissioner Gurganus objected to the hiring process because Bennett was the only candidate he had spoken with.
After a closed session on Jan. 26, the Martin County Board of Commissioners voted 3-1 to hire James Bennett as county manager.
Vice Chairman Dempsey Bond moved to hire Mr. Bennett; Commissioner Emily Biggs seconded. Chairman Ronnie Smith, Vice Chairman Bond and Commissioner Biggs voted for the motion; Commissioner David “Skip” Gurganus voted against it. The board had interviewed Bennett during the closed session and, after the vote, the county attorney said a contract would be prepared.
Commissioner Gurganus said he had “no fault with the candidate” but voiced concern that Bennett was the only candidate he had ever spoken with and suggested the board might have benefited from reviewing multiple finalists. The motion carried despite that objection.
Mr. Bennett thanked the board for the appointment and indicated he could begin on Feb. 1, 2021. The county attorney will draft an employment contract and move forward with onboarding steps.
Votes at a glance
- Approve revised agenda: Motion by Chairman Ronnie Smith; second by Commissioner David "Skip" Gurganus. Approved 4-0 (SEG 002). - RPO TAC reappointments: Motion by Chairman Ronnie Smith; second by Commissioner David "Skip" Gurganus. Approved 4-0 (SEG 006). - Enter closed session (personnel): Motion by Vice Chairman Dempsey Bond; second by Commissioner Emily Biggs. Approved 4-0 (SEG 009). - Hire James Bennett as county manager: Motion by Vice Chairman Dempsey Bond; second by Commissioner Emily Biggs. Approved 3-1 (Smith, Bond, Biggs for; Gurganus opposed) (SEG 010). - Adjourn: Motion by Vice Chairman Dempsey Bond; second by Commissioner Emily Biggs. Approved 4-0 (SEG 010-011).
The board scheduled its next regular meeting for Feb. 10, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in the Commissioners' Boardroom.
