Orange County government’s county manager Bonnie Hammersley is preparing to retire from her position this summer, ending her career of more than three decades in local government.
Chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford shared the news with 97.9 The Hill on Wednesday afternoon.
“[Hammersley] informed the commissioners, employees and staff earlier that she’s giving her 90 days notice before her retirement,” said Bedford. “Her last day will be July 17 with the county, and she’s been with us for ten years.”
“We wish her well,” the board chair added. “She’s really done a great job with the county, we’re in a good place, and I’m glad she’s staying with us to get through this budget season.”
Hammersley joined Orange County in 2014 after working for Muskegon County, Michigan as the county administrator for five years. Prior to that, she served in several positions with the Dane County, Wisconsin government across 21 years.
The county manager role is critical for the county government, as it presides over day-to-day operations and serves directly to implement the policies set in place by the board of commissioners. As part of those duties, they are is partially responsible for constructing and executing the Orange County budget.
The law allows Orange County a variety of options in the interim before making any further decisions to fill the role of county manager. Bedford said she and the other county commissioners have no interest in being appointed to the interim position — something that is currently allowed, according to the county attorney. Because only Commissioner Earl McKee was serving on the board during the last search that led to Hammersley’s hire, Bedford said the board will get up to speed on the processes available to the elected officials. The position is not subject to the same rules as other county staff because the county manager is a contracted role, but the reviewing of any permanent applicants and candidates would be done in closed session, according to the board chair.
“I’m a slow thinker,” Bedford joked on Wednesday. “I have to think on these things and consult with our board about what next steps we’d like to take.”
The Orange County Board of Commissioners is not currently expected to meet again until Thursday, April 25 for a joint meeting with the local school boards. The elected body will also meet in a work session on Tuesday, April 30.
Photo via the Orange County Government.
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