Martin County Commissioner Skip Gurganus has been more open than the other commissioners concerning the county managers’ selection process, and did so Monday evening when asked the question during the regular Jamesville Board of Commissioners meeting.
Gurganus enjoys periodically attending town meetings to answer questions and offer updates on county matters. The commissioner’s unexpected Monday evening appearance in Jamesville was one of those nights.
Gurganus offered explanations focusing on broadband expansion, the possible reopening of Martin General Hospital and other concerns the county faces.
The question of when a new county manager would be hired was asked and Gurganus explained candidates have been vetted and discussed and those discussions are still underway and no decision has been made.
However, Gurganus — who has had high-praise for Interim County Manager Ben Eisner —since he took over the position, reiterated those praises to the Jamesville town board and those in the audience.
“We are still deciding on the county manager’s position. I will say this, the Interim County Manager Ben Eisner, is a good man and is doing a terrific job. He has handled a number of projects and has played a major role in MGH negotiations and has gained the confidence of staff,” said Gurganus.
Next week marks the sixth month Martin County Commissioners have been considering county manager applications. The county set a Jan. 16 deadline for applications and approximately 12 candidates submitted resumes by the deadline.
After a contentious commissioner’s meeting in September 2023, former county manager James Bennett resigned following the meeting where Bennett’s termination was proposed, but failed to gain a favorable vote.
After appointing Eisner, the county attorney, as Interim County Manager, the county manager’s position was posted in December 2023 on the county’s website and across numerous recruiting platforms.
Eisner and the commissioners, along with Human Resource Director Donna Zube, were sent a series of questions regarding the county manager search. None of those questions were answered.
According to Eisner, the process has been ongoing and progress is being made. As Interim County Manger he issued a statement on behalf of the commissioners.
The statement reads: “The search for a county manager remains in progress and as a personnel matter there are aspects that cannot be discussed. The county is appreciative of County Attorney Ben Eisner working in the role of Interim County Manager and looks forward to working with him in that dual role until such time as a full time county manager is appointed.”
However, Eisner did not respond to questions regarding the steps within that “progress,” nor did any of the other commissioners respond to questions regarding the process used in choosing a full time manager.
Commission Chair Dempsey Bond chose not to comment during a one question phone interview.
“I do not comment,” was Bond’s response.
Gurganus could not offer a timeline on filling the county manager position, but again assured everyone at the meeting the county is in good hands under Eisner’s leadership.
Over the past months Eisner has targeted getting the county refocused after tumultuous months following the closing of MGH and Bennett’s departure.
While he remains tight lipped on the county manager’s search, he offered a statement in response to the questions.
“It has been a great privilege of mine to serve as Interim County Manager, in addition to my role as County Attorney,” he said. “During my tenure as Interim County Manager, I have had the opportunity to work with the board of commissioners, county staff, outside agencies and the citizens of Martin County on tasks both large and small.
“I have enjoyed building relationships during the last several months and appreciate the ability to continue to serve as Interim County Manager,” said Eisner.
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