The Clark County Fiscal Court has a replacement for its out-going county treasurer. Ken¿Hawkins was hired to replace Tina Lynn during the Fiscal Court’s regular meeting Wednesday.
Lynn abruptly resigned from the post two weeks ago, citing the relationship between her office and the office of Clark County Judge-Executive Henry Branham.
Lynn’s resignation was originally set for Wednesday, but the court asked her to stay until Friday and Lynn agreed.
Hawkins will take over the post Monday, filling a position that has seen six treasurers in four years.
Previously, Hawkins served as finance officer for the City of Berea. Prior to that, he was a budget analyst for TRIO programs at Berea College. He has served as auditor-controller for Mariposa County, Calif., from 1994 to 2005, which is an elected position.
The Fiscal Court voted unanimously to hire Hawkins after interviewing four candidates for the position during a closed session Wednesday.
“He seemed well versed in government operations,” Branham said.
Hawkins breaks a string of at least six treasurers who were hired from within. The majority of those treasurers had served as the county’s director of finance.
“I’m a little apprehensive because we’re bringing in someone to train, but I feel confident that he can do it,” Branham said. “He will make a good treasurer.”
Clark County Director of Finance Cheryl Willis will help train Hawkins on the county’s software as there is no standard software for governments, Branham said.
“He’s comfortable with computer operations and things like that,” he said. “Cheryl Willis will train him on software and procedures.”
The hiring process was quick, but Branham said it needed to be. With Lynn vacating the office, the Fiscal Court would be limited in its check writing until a new treasurer was named or a temporary treasurer was appointed.
In other business, the Fiscal Court:
— Presented a clean audit for the county clerk for 2011.
— Approved an order that will renumber addresses on Miller Hunt and Iron Works roads.
— Approved an order that named the access road between Muddy Creek Road and Owens Lane. This road will be known as Bittersweet Lane.
— Approved status changes for employees from part-time to full-time employment.
— Tabled orders that would change the rate of play for detention center employees until changes in the job descriptions are made to reflect the increased duties.
Contact Casey Castle at ccastle@winchestersun.com.
