Ben Hill County extends Michael Dinnerman’s contract for FY 2025; Commissioner Cowan votes no

Ben Hill County Commissioners voted Dec. 19 to extend County Manager Michael Dinnerman’s existing contract so he will serve "at the pleasure of the Board" as Consultant/Project Manager for fiscal year 2025.

Vice‑Chair Hope Harmon moved to approve extending the contract; Commissioner John Mooney seconded. The motion passed, four commissioners in favor and one opposed: Commissioner Daniel Cowan voted Nay. The transcript records the vote but does not include a rationale from Commissioner Cowan or other commissioners explaining the dissent.

The meeting record lists those present — Chairman Steve Taylor, Vice‑Chair Hope Harmon, Commissioners John Mooney, Bennie Calloway and Daniel Cowan, County Manager Michael Dinnerman, Assistant County Manager Hampton Raulerson and County Clerk Pamela D. Turner — but supplies no contract dollar amounts, term length beyond "FY 2025," scope-of-work details, or funding source for the consultant role. The motion as recorded states the extension is "to serve at the pleasure of the Board as Consultant/Project Manager for FY 2025." No further administrative steps, effective date beyond the meeting action, or reporting requirements appear in the transcript.

Chairman Steve Taylor closed by saying it had been a pleasure working with the board, and the meeting was adjourned.