It took until Mark McCauley’s first day on the job as Clark County’s interim county administrator until he found out how much he’d be getting paid in the role.
Commissioners unanimously agreed to a $145,000 per year salary for McCauley during their Wednesday board time meeting.
In response to the offer, McCauley — who was already working as the administrator in the meeting — said he would accept.
McCauley was tapped for the job by commissioners on Aug. 21, but the contract makes official the changing of the guard from former administrator Bill Barron, whose final day was Sept. 10.
Steve Stuart, chairman of the commissioners, said the salary is similar to that of former Deputy County Administrator Glenn Olson, but less than what Barron made. Barron was paid $174,252 per year.
McCauley was earning $130,332 per year as the head of general services.
McCauley’s interim status will last until at least November 2014 when voters will first have the chance to vote on a new county charter drafted by a board of 15 elected freeholders. Because the freeholders could choose to move to a model of government that elects a county executive, the county administrator role may become defunct. Due to that uncertainty, commissioners choose to go with an extended interim administrator rather than recruit for a long-term replacement.
McCauley’s background
McCauley is a certified public accountant and retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who has been with Clark County since 2001. He began his career with the county as finance manager of public works and was promoted to director of general services in 2006.
He holds bachelor’s degrees in business administration and accounting from Washington State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Syracuse University.
As director of general services, McCauley oversees 133 staff members who work across a variety of county departments, including purchasing, technology, telecommunications, facilities management and risk management.
Commissioners have made it clear that McCauley will have the option to return to his job after his tenure as interim administrator ends.
Erik Hidle: 360-735-4547; http://twitter.com/col_clarkgov; erik.hidle@columbian.com
