The man who runs daily operations in Fulton County soon will work across the county line in DeKalb.
The DeKalb County Commission agreed Tuesday with CEO Burrell Ellis’ recommendation to hire Zachary Williams as the county’s new chief operating officer. Williams, who has served as Fulton county manager since 2008, is expected to start as DeKalb’s second in command sometime in January.
“I believe this is a new day for DeKalb,” said Ellis, who made a rare trip to the commission meeting to promote his recommendation. “We are learning how to best work together and work for the best of our citizens.”
Two commissioners raised concerns about Williams’ role in a whistle-blower scandal in Fulton. A lawsuit contends Williams ordered a deputy county manager and an internal auditor to back off their plans to show the district attorney evidence of employee embezzlement. The auditor was later demoted and the manager fired. Williams declined Tuesday to discuss the matter because of the pending litigation.
“I can’t support his nomination given his previous action,” said Commissioner Jeff Rader, who voted against the nomination. “It undermines the integrity of our government in a way that is not transparent.”
Commissioner Kathie Gannon abstained.
Despite the split vote on the hiring, the entire commission reached agreement with Ellis and Williams on a list of benchmarks he must complete in his first year. Among the requirements are at least five specific plans to boost revenue, detailed recommendations on department restructuring and personnel costs, and suggestions for outsourcing services.
“By crystallizing what we are asking for, we have given an opportunity for the public to see our direction,” said Commissioner Elaine Boyer, who drafted the list. “This is a significant step toward reaching our goals.”
The hiring will mean a seamless transition when Richard Stogner retires next month from the job.
Unlike Fulton, Cobb and Gwinnett, where a professional manager handles daily operations, an elected CEO runs DeKalb in the same way a strong mayor runs a city. The COO reports to the commission and CEO but helps shape both policy and spending decisions.
For Williams, the post will come with a $236,000 salary — a $36,000 raise from his job in Fulton. DeKalb County government employs 6,600 full-time workers and provides services for about 525,000 residents, compared with Fulton’s 4,960 employees serving about 50,000 residents not living in cities.
After Tuesday’s vote, Williams told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the ability to directly affect services was part of the appeal of moving.
“DeKalb is in a unique position, even as it faces the financial struggles that other county governments are dealing with,” Williams said. “I think this is an opportunity where I can contribute my experience to achieve the goals that have been laid out. It’s a good fit.”
Stogner is expected to help with the transition and can stay on board, if necessary, for the February vote on the 2013 spending plan.
The CEO’s recommended budget is to be unveiled next week and is expected to include major cuts to make up a projected $35 million shortfall.
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