Jim Fair
Randy Olson, left, has been named interim general manager for Greer Commission of Public Works. Olson is the utilities' City Operation Administrator.
Board Commissioner Eugene Gibson told GreerToday.com that MYCOFF Associates in Colorado, recruiters specifically for the utilities industries, has been contracted to search for a new commissioner. “We typically get 300-400 applicants said Gibson. They will whittle it down to three viable candidates the commissioners will interview and then select a new general manager.” The process is expected to take 3-6 months.
Olson said he anticipates retiring in 18 months and is not a candidate. Gibson said Olson was considered when Jerry Balding retired after 20 years as general manager.
Gibson said Stegall had expressed an interest in retiring the past two months. “I knew and informed the commissioners (Jeff Howell and Perry Williams) at least three to four weeks ago.
Stegall’s salary was $174,649, according to a state database on government employees in 2011. Olson’s was $108,284.
Gibson said Stegall’s announcement was timed to take advantage of the state retirement policy. “The state retirement is based on the highest previous three quarters’ (earnings). We agreed on the end of September so Nick wouldn’t have a partial quarter as one of his three,” Gibson said. “If there’s any reason we need Nick for a short time he can be re-employed on a temporary time.”
Olson will be faced with several tasks in the final quarter. Site selection is ongoing for a CPW substation that will serve the east side of Greer at the Inland Port. The Greer port is scheduled to move its first cargo in October. And The 2013-2014 fiscal year budget must be presented and approved by commissioners.
Election for Gibson’s commissioners seat is scheduled in November. Gibson and Tom Kriese will vie for that seat.
“The role of general manager has become diverse and the prerequisites encompass an experienced person in the utilities while able to engage with community entities,” said Gibson. “They must have a political and public relations side, be personal, work with Greer Development Corporation, Partnership for Tomorrow and be a member of the Lions Club.”