Published: May 11, 2009 06:09 pm      

County coordinator selection imminent

Interviews for Suwannee County Coordinator were held today, and while a candidate was not hired, the applicants were ranked and the salary for the post was set at $71,000.

County Commission Chairman Jesse Caruthers said the commission voted to set the salary and have staff members call the interviewees, beginning with the top scorer, to see who bites. The first applicant to accept the job at the posted salary will come before the commission at its May 19 meeting for approval as the new county coordinator.

The applicant with the highest score was George Sirmans of Palm City. Ranked second was Murphy McLean of Wellborn. The third-ranked applicant was Joseph Gerrity Jr. of Fernandina Beach. Hubert Jacques of Winter Park placed fourth, Baynard Ward Jr., Live Oak, fifth, Gerald Driggers, Live Oak, sixth and Tom Daniels of Live Oak, seventh.

Caruthers said the two top-scoring candidates were set on a salary upwards of $80,000. Gerrity, ranked third, requested a salary in the range of $70-75,000.

Commissioners used a score sheet for each interview to rank candidates in categories such as management experience.

"I'm pleased with the process so far to this point," Caruthers said by phone. "I'm sure a good applicant will accept the new position."