Lawrence County administrator job remains vacant

By Nancy Glasscock
nglasscock@decaturdaily.com · 340-2443

MOULTON — After Monday's Lawrence County Commission meeting, Karen Harrison said she knew she didn't want the stress of being the new county administrator.

Harrison was poised to replace Linda Harville as county administrator when Harville retires Oct. 1. She said Thursday she is retiring mainly for health reasons after working for the county 27 years. Harrison began her career with the county as an accountant and has been working as Harville's assistant.

She gave the commission her one sentence resignation dated Tuesday.

"I got a taste of it at the last meeting," she said. "I just don't feel like I should be put under that kind of stress."

The commission tabled a decision on Harrison's contract Monday, after discussing her proposed salary. District 4 Commissioner Harold LouAllen proposed a $58,000 annual salary, but Harrison said the county paid her $58,000 last year, and that she wouldn't take on more responsibilities without a pay increase.

She presented her W-2 form to commissioners which showed a salary of $58,000, and District 1 Commissioner Mose Jones Jr. proposed a $60,000 annual salary.

Harrison said the proposition of $60,000 is another reason she decided to retire.

She said the offer is $2,000 short of what she wanted to be paid for the job. Harville's annual salary is $62,000.

Harrison said she doesn't feel the commission respects her, but she didn't want to comment further, other than to say she still respects the commissioners.

"I don't have any hard feelings," she said. "I just feel like they're going in a different direction than I can take them. ... They were doing what they felt was best."

Commission Chairman Bradley Cross said Harrison's last day is Sept. 25. Harrison could have retired two years ago, he said.

Cross said the county will probably start receiving applications for the next county administrator in two or three weeks.

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