Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/260020
The Sarasota County commissioners praised Tom Harmer's calm demeanor, his quick responses to their questions and concerns and the smooth operation of county services while he served as interim county administrator. Those accolades were reprised with another unanimous vote Tuesday, Feb. 11, when the commissioners approved a contract with Harmer, officially making him the county's administrator, overseeing more than 2,100 employees and 22 departments. His contract includes a $190,000 salary plus business expenses, monthly car allowance and benefits. The salary is the same as that accorded to previous Administrator Randall Reid, whom the commissioners fired without cause in a 4-1 vote on Oct. 23. Commissioner Nora Patterson was in the minority. Commissioner Joe Barbetta made the motion during the board's Jan. 28 meeting to name Harmer administrator, and on Tuesday, he made the motion to approve the administra- tor's contract. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Carolyn Mason. Vice Chairwoman Christine Robinson applauded after the vote. In October, after the board dismissed Reid, then-Chairwoman Mason called Harmer — at that time, the deputy county administrator County Administrator Tom Harmer listens to a speaker during a County Commission meeting. Photo by Norman Schimmel BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, HARMER IS NAMED COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR MAKING IT OFFICIAL By Roger Drouin County Editor