The St. Mary’s County Commissioners have entered into new employment contracts with their department heads. Instead of a fixed-term contract the commissioners have entered into contracts that allow them to fire department heads with a 90-day notice.
County Administrator John Savich said the new policy gives the county more flexibility. He said the new arrangement is the first time in recent memory that fixed-term contracts for departments heads haven’t been in place.
The department heads whose employment contracts were approved were: County Attorney George Sparling, Director of the Department of Human Resources Susan Sabo, Director of the Department of Public Works and Transportation George Erichsen, Director of the Department of Aging Lori Jennings-Harris, Director of the department of Recreation and Parks Phili[p Rollins, Director of Public Safety and Information Technology Robert Kelly, Director of Economic and Community Development Robert Schaller, Chief Financial Officer Elaine Kramer and County Administrator Savich.
According to Sabo, all department head salaries remain the same. Kelly’s was increased several months ago to $112,262 to reflect his additional duties when the two departments were merged.
Commissioner Larry Jarboe (R: 3rd) voted against the motion. He said the motion did not address the possibility of department consolidations. Savich said that would be talked about at a later date.
The commissioners are currently interviewing candidates for the vacant Director of Land Use and Growth Management position.
