By DOTTY NIST
After slightly more than four weeks on the job, Walton County Administrator Bob Halfhill has submitted his resignation, effective April 3.
The Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) had voted to hire Halfhill on Jan 22 at a yearly salary of $114,000, after a search to fill the position that had resulted in a field of 48 applicants.
Halfhill came to Walton County with more than 20 years’ administrative experience in municipal government, serving most recently as public works director for Charlotte County.
Addressed to the BCC chair and members, Halfhill’s April 2 resignation letter reads, “It is with deep regret that I submit my resignation as County Administrator with an effective date of April 3, 2013. Walton County faces a multitude of challenges and will have to make difficult decisions.
“I feel that my present personal situation and continuing family medical problems would be a distraction and prevent me from being as effective as possible.”
Walton County Public Information Manager Louis Svehla commented that Halfhill’s resignation letter would be provided to the county commissioners. He anticipated that it would be discussed at the next BCC meeting on April 9, with the commissioners examining their options and the direction they would take with regard to the letter and the administrator’s post at that time.
According to Halfhill’s employment agreement, he has the ability to voluntarily terminate the agreement at any time through a written notice provided not later than 60 days prior to the effective date of the termination. In the instance of a voluntary resignation, the agreement limits the financial obligations of the county to compensation for days of employment plus any vacation time accrued.
In the post of Walton County administrator, Halfhill succeeded former administrator Greg Kisela who served slightly less than one year when the BCC voted to terminate him without cause.