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Hawes named as interim manager/Stilwell accepts resignation

By Staff | May 6, 2009

Don Stilwell accepted the Board of County Commissioners’ terms of resignation on Tuesday, ending his 16-year career as county manager.

The severance package Stilwell is due to receive totals just under $153,000. The package includes three months salary, accrued vacation and sick pay, 401K dividends, and continued payment of Stilwell’s automobile lease and insurance for three months.

Commissioners, in turn, voted 4 -1, with Tammy Hall dissenting, to accept the resignation. Hall disapproved of the agreement because of the continued car usage.

County Attorney David Owen said the automobile was in Stilwell’s name, and part of his contract stipulated reimbursement for payment, insurance, and gas.

Owen added that commissioners instructed him last Tuesday to construct a severance package that included “full benefits,” and the automobile was part of Stilwell’s contractual benefits.

This did little to placate Hall, who said she wasn’t given the proper amount of information ahead of time.

“I would have done something last week if I had all the information,” Hall said. “I don’t think this is right … it’s a very awkward position for us to be in.”

Commissioner Brian Bigelow, a long-time vocal opponent of Stilwell’s ethical behavior, drew issue with the car use, too, but decided it was in the county’s best interest if they moved past the Stilwell era by approving the settlement.

Bigelow eventually called for the resignation of Deputy County Manager BIll Hammond, and Assistant County Manager Holly Schwartz, but was met with strong opposition by Hall, Commissioner Bob Janes, and Commission Chair Ray Judah.

Judah called for an investigation of Bigelow for his remarks, saying commissioners are not allowed under charter to give direction to county employees.

“We cannot do that as members of the board,” Judah said. “We cannot intimidate county employees.”

Commissioners unanimously to name Human Services Director Karen Hawes as interim county manager.

The terms of Hawes’ contract will be discussed at special workshop. The date of that workshop has yet to be determined.

Hawes was one of three names floated by commissioners for the interim position, including Public Works Director Jim Lavender and Community Development Director Mary Gibbs.