CUMBERLAND – The County's Board of Supervisors authorized the County Administrator to begin advertising for a new director of finance for Cumberland during Tuesday's special called meeting.

County Administrator Judy Ownby passed out a resignation notice from Jill Matthews, Cumberland County's current assistant county administrator of finance and human resources, shortly before Tuesday's meeting started.

Ms. Ownby received the notice on Tuesday from Ms. Matthews, which is effective March 19.

In the notice to Cumberland's County Administrator, Ms. Matthews states, “As you know, the changes in my position over the years have required an ever increasing number of nights, holidays, and weekends away from my family. After much thought and discussion with my husband, I have chosen to take the step to explore other employment opportunities.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you for what has been almost 15 years and will truly miss those who I have worked with over the years. The support and guidance that you have shown me has been greatly appreciated.”

Supervisor Parker Wheeler, District Five, made the motion authorizing the County Administrator to advertise for a finance director and the motion carried unanimously.

Discussion On Human Resource Responsibilities

After the decision, Supervisor Lloyd Banks asked, since the previous position's job description also included human resource responsibilities, “Is the HR position something that we might be able to combine with the School Board?”

Ms. Ownby offered, “It looks like if you were bringing a County Attorney in on board-it looks like that person should be able to handle HR or questions about HR.”

Board Chairman David Meinhard, District Four, then offered, “Personally, I think the way to go would be to combine HR with the County Attorney…and then we could go on with this as finance director.”

Banks followed Meinhard's statement and said, “I agree.”

Ms. Ownby explained to the Board that the human resource responsibilities include such tasks as creating job descriptions or amending job descriptions, and dealing with complaints and personnel issues.

“On certain types of issues we have to contact the County Attorney anyway,” noted Ms. Ownby, “to get some direction…for legal advice, not operating.”

Ms. Ownby addressed the possibility of consolidating efforts and said, “School HR wouldn't be familiar with our organization, just like we wouldn't be with theirs.”

After the discussion, the Board left the decision undecided as to what to do with the County's human resource responsibilities after Ms. Matthews leaves her position later this month and voted to adjourn the meeting.