Pierce backs off retirement plans

In a surprise move, at Tuesday’s county commission meeting, Alan Pierce announced he will not be retiring this year from his dual post as county planner and director of administrative services.

 “I would like to withdraw that proposal to you at this time,” said Pierce, 56. “I thank you for your forbearance.”

Pierce announced his retirement on Oct. 18, 2011 but did not present commissioners with a formal letter of resignation. At that time, he said he planned his retirement for Sept. 2012 and that he hoped his replacement could begin training with him in February.

The commission tabled discussion of the topic until December, and then moved forward with advertising for the job. The job description, published in the Times on Dec. 15 showed a salary range of $40,000 to $50,000.

The commissioners, who also approved a motion not to require a college degree for the job, advertised that they sought “a proven, dedicated, innovative and experienced individual” for the newly created county coordinator post, a hybrid of Pierce’s two positions, but with more planning duties delegated to other staff.

Pierce, who earns $62,000 annually, holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Vanderbilt University awarded in 1977 and two master’s degrees from the University of Florida, one in secondary science education completed in 1982 and a second in urban and regional planning awarded in 1988.

The commissioners advertised that they preferred “an individual who has familiarity with county administration and who is a strong leader and manager.”

The board received applications from seven candidates, Randy Butler, Ron Copeland, Jamie Crum, Tom Daly, Franklin Mathis, Lois Swoboda, and Kevin Ward.

Interviews were initially scheduled for Tuesday following the regular commission meeting but were postponed on Friday, Jan. 13, due to the likelihood that Chairman Pinki Jackel would be unable to attend.

Commissioner Cheryl Sanders called Pierce to task Tuesday for his change of plans.

 “When you went to submit your retirement I asked you three times if you were sure. It’s in the record,” she said. “Next time you do this, you’d better do it. It all transpired from what happened with the health department in Carrabelle.”

County Attorney Michael Shuler advised commissioners to make a motion to accept the withdrawal of Pierce’s resignation. Commissioner Smokey Parrish moved to accept the withdrawal, seconded by Commissioner Noah Lockley, and the motion passed 4-1 with Sanders opposed.

Pierce originally came onboard as assistant county planner to James Floyd in June 1988. He took over as planner in September of the same year.

He left the position briefly in May 2004 to work for Preble-Rish Engineering but returned in October 2004 as a part-time consultant during hurricane season. In Jan. 2005 he resumed his fulltime position as planner.