(SANILAC COUNTY) – The Sanilac County Board of Commission has learned Administrator/Controller Tara Griffith has tendered her resignation, giving the required 60 day notice. She will conclude her work with the County in May.
Board of Commission Chairman Jon Block said he was made aware of the decision in recent days, but was caught off guard of Griffith’s decision.
Both Block and Commissioner Joel Wyatt said Griffith’s departure will leave a huge void in County operations, but they were confident other employees will step up in the short term while a replacement is found.
“Tara has done a fantastic job for the County in her four years here,” said Board Chairman Block. “She has been nothing but professional and any information we have needed or asked for, she has always been more than timely with getting it for us. It is a huge loss for the County and we certainly are going to miss her.”
Block said while caught off guard with the resignation, it has been his experience that it is common for Administrators to stay at their job four or five years before moving on.
Griffith said she has decided to go back to the private sector and will be working for a company based in California, but would not be more specific about her future plans.
According to Block, a tentative plan to find a replacement is to accept applications until April 14th, have a Personnel Committee meeting April 18th and possibly interview potential candidates April 19th.
Commissioners feel there may well be currently employees with the County that may apply for the position, but they also intend to conduct a search for a possible replacement.
Block said he would like to see the Board consider an interim Administrator to work alongside of Griffith for the next two months.
Griffith has been with the County as Administrator for four years and currently makes $104,000 dollars per year.
Commissioners expect to pay a new Administrator/Controller in the area of six-figures or just under, depending on the successful candidate’s qualifications.
