Council appoints James Lewanicki interim administrator, authorizes professional searches

The Jasper County Council voted to appoint James Lewanicki as interim county administrator while the county seeks a permanent replacement and authorized outside professional services to conduct recruitment searches.

The actions came immediately after the council returned from executive session. A council member moved to appoint James Lewanicki as interim county administrator during the search; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Council then voted to engage an outside firm to run the recruitment and to assist with administrative duties during the interim period.

Council also authorized hiring a professional services firm identified in the transcript as either “Footwater Strategies” or “Swift Water Strategies” to conduct a search for a new county attorney. The firm name is unclear in the record; the council recorded a motion, a second and a voice vote approving the engagement. The county said it will confirm the vendor name and contract terms in subsequent documents.

During public comment a resident questioned whether the recently retired county administrator would receive a severance package and where funds would come from; the chair said the interim county attorney would follow up with the commenter to provide clarification. The council did not state in the meeting the severance dollar amount or the specific funding source.

Next steps: the county will proceed with the recruitment process for both positions and provide contract details and confirmed vendor names in forthcoming procurement or contract documents.