Board approves $22,750 recruitment contract with Public Administration Associates after brief debate

Richland County approved Resolution 25-2 to contract with Public Administration Associates LLC (PAA) for recruitment services to fill the county administrator vacancy, with a contract amount not to exceed $22,750 to be paid from the contingency fund.

PAA representative Dave Bridal joined remotely to describe the firm’s recruitment process and noted the statute-based job description would be the starting point, with opportunity to add duties the board prefers. Bridal said the firm could help draft social-media-friendly position synopses and outreach materials once the board approves recruiting text. "We would be honored to work with you on this recruitment," Bridal said.

During discussion several supervisors questioned whether the board could recruit internally and whether $22,750 was an appropriate use of contingency funds; one board member voiced concern the expenditure was premature without clearer budget contingency figures. A supervisor asked whether the county or the contractor would run background checks; staff confirmed the county would handle background checks but could opt for a deeper local investigation if desired.

The motion to enter the contract was moved by Glassburner and seconded by Cooley. The board adopted Resolution 25-2; the transcript records one 'no' vote. Staff said PAA would follow up with next steps and produce recruitment materials per the board’s direction.