CONWAY-Horry County Council spent Monday interviewing two candidates in the third round of the search for a permanent Horry County administrator. Those candidates include interim administrator John Weaver, who has also run for this position before.
In addition to Weaver, council is interviewing former county administrator for Oconee County, Dale Surrett.
Weaver was one of two finalists for the position back in November, when council deadlocked in a 6-6 vote between him and Duncan Ballantyne, a former administrator from Martin County, Fla. Council. For months now the search process has been delayed since that vote caused tension between the council members. Some members were unsure whether they even wanted to continue to look for a candidate at all.
“It has been distracting, unpleasant and an uncomfortable process,” said council chairwoman Liz Gilland, “I hope that this is the last.”
“I don’t mind going through this again, “said Weaver, “Considering my age, my education and knowing Horry County I don’t mind the tough questions either.”
Weaver has served as interim administrator since May. He also served as a county attorney for the last 10 years.
“Roads are a core issue, even transportation that unfortunately the state has put back on local governments,” said Surrett, 46, during his interview, “The public has an expectation and we have to make sure we are anticipating what those call of services are going to be.”
Each candidate was asked if they would sign a contract for the position. Weaver said he would want a three year contract while Surrett said he would accept the position at-will.
The county administrator position became available when Danny Knight, who served for about 10 years, left to be the director of Horry County Solid Waste Authority.
Count on News13 to bring you more at 5:00 and 6:00 from both of the candidates.
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