Harris terminated by 3-2 vote after 10 years at helm.
LIVE OAK — At the top of the Suwannee County Commission’s Christmas list is a new county administrator.
During Tuesday night’s regular commission meeting, the board voted 3-2 to terminate County Administrator Randy Harris. Don Hale and Maurice Perkins dissented.
Greg Scott, the county’s parks and recreation director, was unanimously appointed to serve as interim administrator.
Leo Mobley, who was just elected onto the commission in August and took office on Nov. 22, made the motion to call for a special meeting to act on Harris’ contract, including termination, and give him notice of that action. Mobley also made the motion to place Harris on administrative leave effective immediately pending that meeting and to name an interim administrator.
“During (my campaign) there were a lot of concerns by the public regarding the current administration, which has led me to believe Suwannee County is ready for and to move in a new direction,” Mobley said, later saying he had nothing bad to say about Harris but was living up to his word on the campaign trail.
Harris’ contract called for five days notice prior to termination appearing on a board agenda.
However, Harris twice told the commissioners that he was willing to waive that notice.
“This is clearly well choreographed,” said Harris, who originally was hired by the county to serve as its public works director before being selected as the county’s first administrator — it previously had a coordinator — in June 2012. Harris continued to serve as the county’s public works director.
“If this board has decided that I need to be replaced, and the votes are here to terminate my contract, that’s up to the board of county commissioners.”
In terminating him, the county owes Harris 20 weeks worth of pay — $54,832 — within 15 days of his termination.
Travis Land, the District 3 commissioner who two years ago called into question a land deal involving the county and a developer out of Marion County — where Harris lived and served as a commissioner prior to coming to Suwannee County — seconded Mobley’s motion.
“It’s not my job to think for the people, it’s my job to speak for the people and my first two years I’ve had a lot of people asking me when and why we haven’t made a change,” Land said.
A pair of former county commissioners — Clyde Fleming, who served until last month after not seeking a fourth term in office, and Wesley Wainwright — were among the four residents that spoke out against the proposed termination prior to the board’s vote Tuesday.
“Karma is something else, it’s a bad thing,” Fleming said, adding Harris has saved the county a lot of money over the years and feels the county would be taking a step in the wrong direction with the move. “I hope this board is doing the right thing, doing what it’s supposed to do.
“I had individuals come to me and ask me and I told them no. I stood on my own…This man has done a magnificent job.”
Wainwright as well local developer Don Wainwright told the commissioners that while they weren’t surprised, they were disappointed with the decision.
“I would press you hard to demonstrate to me anywhere we’ve gone backward,” Wesley Wainwright said, also telling Land — who had requested to “call the question” or to end discussion on the matter and bring it to a vote before dropping that request once County Attorney Jimmy Prevatt informed that it would require four commissioners to approve — that the topic deserves a lengthy discussion if necessary.
“There will be missed opportunities.
“You have an opportunity now, rather than demonstrating your authority, you have an opportunity to demonstrate your leadership ability,” Wesley Wainwright added that they should keep Harris and work with him to fulfill the position the way the current board desires.
Don Wainwright added: “Is he popular, Leo? Probably not. Is he doing his job? Heck yeah he is. I think you’ll set the county back 10 years at a minimum. You all are making one of the gravest mistakes, I think you’re making one of the most arrogant, gravest mistakes that you’ve ever done.”
Harris, too, said the move was not a surprise.
“Everybody in the community has heard all the scuttlebutt about Harris is going to get fired as soon as Mr. Mobley gets in office and has time to make a motion,” he said later in the meeting when he again told the commissioners that a special meeting and notice was not necessary. “We’re all here. If we want to make a motion to terminate my contract, I’m OK with that.
“I think clearly the progress we’ve made speaks for itself. If you think someone can do my job better than I can, I’m OK with that.”
Wayne Hannaka also urged the board to reconsider.
One of the residents to speak in favor of ousting Harris prior to the vote was John “Jack” Schoen, who helped Mobley campaign.
“A lot of people have spoken,” Schoen said, referencing Mobley’s overwhelming win in the election. “There were a lot of people who wanted change in this county.”
Moses Clepper also said he had concerns with Harris, dating back to the fire station situation, noting he hasn’t seen any remorse from Harris.
District 1 Commissioner Don Hale, who is the longest-tenured commissioner at six years, said he also heard complaints when he first ran for office in 2016. However, he said he refused to make promises.
“He answers to the five of us and if we can’t control that, then the blame lays on us,” Hale said. “I feel like we’re in a better place…I just want us to do what’s right for the community.”
Perkins said he had seen no reason provided for firing Harris.
“We’re doing great things,” Perkins said, adding Harris has brought in ample grant opportunities and ramped up road paving efforts during his time. “I see the county’s growth and I think this will set us back by dismissing Mr. Harris.”
After voting to terminate Harris, the board unanimously selected Scott as its interim.
“I’ll do whatever you need me to do again for the citizens and everybody, that’s who we’re here to serve,” Scott said when asked if he was willing. He also told them he has worked on a succession plan in parks and rec for years and his staff there can cover those duties.