MAHONING COUNTY Commissioners to accept administrator's resignation

Joseph Caruso's name is on the agenda, but others might also be considered.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning County commissioners were expected to accept the resignation of county Administrator Gary Kubic today, then decide who will temporarily take his place.
Kubic is leaving at the end of the month to become administrator of Beaufort County, S.C., home of the popular vacation spot Hilton Head Island. He makes $85,000 as Mahoning County administrator and will get a starting annual salary of $127,500 in Beaufort County.
The agenda for today's commissioners' meeting includes a resolution to appoint Joseph Caruso as interim county administrator, effective Monday.
If the resolution is approved, Caruso would be paid $70,000 a year. He makes about $55,000 a year in his job as county special projects director.
Commissioner Ed Reese stressed it would be only a temporary appointment while a search is conducted for a permanent replacement.
Reese said he thinks Caruso would be a good permanent choice, but said that decision should be made later.
Office makeup
Reese has said he will not seek re-election when his term expires in December 2004. Commissioner Vicki Allen Sherlock's term also expires then, but she has not decided whether to seek another term.
"There could be a major change in the makeup of this office after next year, depending on what Commissioner Sherlock decides," Reese said. "What kind of candidates are you going to be able to recruit with that kind of uncertainty?"
Sherlock agreed that Caruso is a strong candidate and that he's done an excellent job heading the special projects office, but she wasn't sure whether she'll back him for the administrator's position.
She said two other county employees had contacted her and expressed interest in the interim position, but she would not say who they are.
Whoever gets the interim post should come from the ranks of county employees, Sherlock said.
"My concern is the learning curve, as far as bringing in someone from the outside," Sherlock said. She believes the interim administrator should be someone already familiar with local government and its issues and players.
She also agreed with Reese that a decision on the permanent replacement should be delayed until it becomes clear who will be in the commissioners' office after 2004.
Commissioner David Ludt said he wants to postpone the vote a week so he can have time to talk with others who might be interested in the job.
bjackson@vindy.com