Oconee County Council approves 14-day paid leave for County Administrator, names interim

Oconee County Council on Oct. 21 authorized a 14-day paid leave of absence for County Administrator Amanda F. Brock and named Phil Shirley as interim County Administrator during the leave, following executive-session deliberations.

The action was recorded in open session after council returned from executive session; the motion to approve the leave and interim assignment was made and approved unanimously. The minutes state: "to agree to a paid leave of absence for County Administrator, Ms. Brock, for a period of 14 days with Mr. Phil Shirley to serve as interim County Administrator during that time." The meeting record shows council re-entered executive session to discuss contractual and personnel matters and completed the staffing action before adjourning.

Council also authorized retention of outside counsel Andrew J. Holliday to advise on administrative and legal matters discussed in executive session. The entries in the minutes show the executive-session period extended from 7:24 p.m. until 10:17 p.m.; the meeting adjourned at 10:18 p.m.

The minutes do not provide additional details about the nature of the personnel matters discussed in executive session or the reason for the administrator's leave; the record notes that the County Attorney requested the staffing discussion be added to the agenda and that the council approved the leave and interim appointment by unanimous vote. Follow-up reporting should confirm the effective start date for the interim assignment and any delegation of duties during the leave.

The action is recorded in the official minutes and requires administrative follow-up for documentation and continuity of operations.