Wharton County Commissioners will continue deliberation for the county’s next maintenance supervisor at its specially-scheduled meeting at 11 a.m. on Thursday.
The candidate to be selected by the court will replace the now retired and the first ever county maintenance supervisor, Paul Shannon.
Shannon, along with other retiring county officials and employees, was recognized by the court at its regularly-scheduled meeting on Monday, Dec. 28 for his dedication.
He was assigned to oversee all county buildings by the court 20 years ago and credits former Wharton County Commissioner Chris King for the position and his tenure with the county.
“The county didn’t have a facility maintenance person before I got here,” Shannon told the court. “Chris King was instrumental in getting that done. I thank the late Commissioner King for the vision he had for the court, wanting someone to take care of the facilities.”
Shannon said he enjoyed working for the county, but will enjoy retirement, noting, “It’s time for somebody else to take over.”
When asked how he would spend his days in retirement, Shannon joked with the court, saying, “I’m going to do whatever that woman says,” pointing in the direction of his wife.
After recognizing retiring staff and moving through the posted agenda items, commissioners broke into closed session to discuss Shannon’s replacement.
No action was taken upon their return; however, Wharton County Judge Phillip Spenrath noted they had a great pool of applicants.
The posted agenda for Thursday’s meeting only contains the deliberation and discussion of the maintenance supervisor; however, the judge told The County Gin that he does not anticipate a finalist being named.
“(The) meeting will be a closed session to interview potential candidates,” Spenrath told The Gin. “There are four candidates at this time and we have not officially narrowed down the number of applicants.”
Spenrath noted one skill the candidate must possess is good communication, saying, “(The person chosen for the position) will routinely converse with contractors, historical conservationists (courthouse commission) and state and federal grant officials: FEMA; GLO; and COVID regulatory offices.”
The position also calls for knowledge and experience in facility maintenance and will oversee all county buildings, which includes everything from roofing repairs to Christmas decorations.
Spenrath said he looks forward to getting the most qualified candidate into that position as soon as possible.
The County Gin will continue to follow this process and report on the court’s decision, once publicly available.
For more information about meetings, agendas and minutes, visit www.co.wharton.tx.us
