County Manager

LEE COUNTY, GEORGIA

Classification Specification

County Manager (1005)
FLSA: Exempt

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to plan, direct, and oversee operations of the County under general direction
from the Board of Commissioners (BOC), to include direct supervision of the County’s administrative offices,
management and oversight of County functions and staff falling under the authority of the BOC, and coordination of
activities and special projects among County departments, elected officials, and outside agencies.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude
them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties
may be required and assigned.

Manages and directs County operations and staff: supervises subordinate department heads and administrative staff;
hires, trains, evaluates performance, and disciplines senior management personnel and oversees this process for all
County employees through subordinate managers; and processes employee concerns and problems.

Directs the work of Assistant County Managers and department heads who supervise subordinate managers and
staff: provides direction regarding County operations, methods, processes, policies and procedures; directs,
coordinates, and monitors County activities, projects, and programs; consults with subordinate staff to assist with
complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; and ensures all County activities, projects, and
programs comply with established laws, codes, rules, regulations, policies and standards.

Develops and recommends long- and short-term goals, plans, and objectives for the County: analyzes and evaluates
performance of current programs, services, and operations in relation to growing needs of the County; and identifies,
recommends and oversees implementation of needed changes, modifications and/or enhancements.

Develops, implements, and monitors County work plans, policies, and procedures: formulates and develops work
methods, practices, policies, standard operating procedures, training programs, etc.; monitors implementation of
work processes, policies, and procedures by staff; and updates and revises procedure manuals as appropriate.

Lee County, Georgia County Manager

Develops, defends, and administers County budget in coordination with Finance Department, County department
heads, and BOC: forecasts expenditures and revenues; recommends allocations for staffing, supplies, equipment,
programs, capital improvements, and other budget outlays; prepares departmental budget for the Administrative
Office; reviews budget requests from all County departments for inclusion in budget recommendations; coordinates
the scheduling of budget meetings; prepares and submits budget documentation and reports; monitors expenditures
to ensure compliance with approved budget; makes adjustments and changes as needed; and ensures compliance
with all legal and procedural requirements.

Serves as a liaison between County staff and the BOC: attends all BOC meetings; briefs BOC on pending agenda items
and other County issues; responds to inquiries and provides BOC with information on the status of County operations
and projects; provides analysis to assist in making informed policy decisions; prepares meeting agendas for approval;
and provides administrative support to the Commissioners as needed.

Directs and oversees operations of departments falling under the authority of the BOC: serves as a liaison between
the BOC and department heads, keeping the BOC apprised of departmental activities; assists departments with
resolution of problems requiring the attention of County management; and monitors and evaluates progress of
departments towards the goals and objectives of the administration.

Facilitates problem solving at all levels in the organization: works with department heads and Constitutional Officers
to ensure effective coordination and cooperation among departments; coordinates the continuous review of
interdepartmental processes for quality control and improvement; responds to inquiries from the public regarding
issues unresolved at the departmental level.

Manages and facilitates internal and external communication throughout the organization: conducts meetings with
department heads and key management staff; oversees all public relations and outreach efforts to community
groups, organizations, local governments, and state agencies; serves as a liaison between the BOC and Constitutional
Officers.

Coordinates special projects for the County, including the planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of
construction/renovation projects, management studies, introduction of new programs, and various professional
services: defines the scope of the project; identifies and ensures proper allocation of financial, material, and human
resources committed to the project; formulates solutions and resolves problems; facilitates implementation of the
project; and provides administrative support to the project as needed.

Oversees professional contractors and/or consultants providing services for County projects: participates in the
evaluation and selection of contractors/consultants; works with and monitors contractors/consultants to ensure
timely and quality completion of project; facilitates cooperation for project implementation throughout the
organization; and provides information and support as needed.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations: monitors state and federal
developments and legislation that impact County operations; reads professional literature; attends workshops and
training sessions as appropriate; participates in planning efforts at the local and regional level; oversees compliance
with new legislation; reads professional literature; and attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.

Represents the BOC and the County at various meetings, functions, and events: serves as a liaison to various civic or
governmental organizations and committees, taskforces, boards, and commissions; confers regularly with officials
from area municipalities, school boards, chambers of commerce, authorities, and commissions; provides information
about County operations; participates in discussions and decisions; and keeps the BOC apprised of activities.

Receives and responds to requests for information, complaints, and concerns from the public, County elected officials
and Constitutional Officers, County employees, and others; responds to complex questions, complaints, or requests
for service; resolves problems and concerns; and prepares and submits related records and reports as required.

Lee County, Georgia County Manager

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated
timeframes and per established procedures: prepares, completes, receives, reviews, processes, forwards or retains,
as appropriate, various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation; compiles data for further
processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Communicates with County officials, department heads, other employees, third party service contractors, the public,
outside agencies, and others as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information,
or resolve problems.

Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet,
database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software: and operates general office or other equipment as
necessary to complete essential functions.

Additional Functions:

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Public Administration, or related field required; supplemented by ten
years of experience in managing government operations at a municipal or County level, to include experience at the
department director level or above; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which
provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific Licenses or Certifications Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential
functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all County or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary
to function effectively in the position.

Performance Aptitudes:

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to synthesize, hypothesize, and/or theorize concerning data involving
modification of existing policies, strategies and/or methods to meet unique or unusual conditions. Requires the
ability to do so within the context of existing organizational theories and management principles.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to apply principles of negotiation. Performs such in formal situations within
the context of legal guidelines.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control
the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize consulting and advisory data and information, as well as reference,
descriptive and/or design data and information as applicable.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to
calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may
include ability to compute discount, interest, and ratios; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes,
weights, and measures.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in critical and/or
unexpected situations involving moderate risk to the organization.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in critical and/or

Lee County, Georgia County Manager

unexpected situations involving moderate risk to the organization.

ADA Compliance:

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve
some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve
extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds,
taste, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental
conditions.

Lee County, Georgia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the
County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both
prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

LEE COUGNe orTgiYa

COUNTY
MANAGER

RECRUITMENT

COUNTY
MANAGER ABOUT THE COUNTY

RECRUITMENT

Lee County, one of the original 32 counties in Georgia, is situated in the heart of Southwest Georgia.
As a rapidly growing community, we provide a comprehensive array of services and amenities while
preserving a charming hometown feel.

Geographically, the county lies about two hours north of Tallahassee, Florida, and two hours south of
Macon, bordered by Dougherty County and Sumter County.

Lee County presents a distinctive combination of residential, commercial, and industrial
development, all infused with a traditional rural character. With its creeks, lakes, plantations, and
historical landmarks, the community offers outstanding recreational opportunities that make the
most of the pleasant climate and stunning landscape.

Our welcoming and friendly population includes many young families drawn to Lee County's award-
winning school system. As part of the Albany metro area, Lee County saw a population increase of
17.19%, growing from 28,298 to 33,163 between 2010 and 2020, ranking 57th in population among
Georgia's 159 counties.

Lee County is committed to fostering a healthy mix of residential, commercial, and industrial
GENERAL DATA: development while honoring the county's rural character and heritage. Our community's dedication

Incorporated Cities Leesburg and Smithville to quality, well-planned growth promises that Lee County will continue to flourish for many years
Total Area: 355.8 square miles ahead.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The County has six elected officials elected by the voters through
at-large elections for four-year terms. Those officers are the Sheriff,
Tax Commissioner, Clerk of Superior Court, Judge of the Probate
Court, Judge of the Magistrate Court, and the Coroner.

The City of Smithville has a four-member city council elected by the
voters through ward elections for two-year concurrent terms (the

The City of Leesburg has a seven-member city council elected by
mayor serves four years) to represent the residents of the city.

the voters through at-large elections for four-year staggered terms
The Smithville City Council conducts its meetings the third Monday

to represent the residents of the city. The Leesburg City Council
of each month at 6:00 PM at the Smithville City Hall, 116 Main Street.

conducts its meetings the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM at
the Leesburg City Hall, 107 Walnut Avenue.

The Development Authority was created by an act of the Board of
Commissioners in January 1998, consists of seven members
appointed by the Board of Commissioners for four year staggered
terms. This authority's responsibilities include promoting trade,
commerce, industry and employment in Lee County and the
Chamber of Commerce. In addition, the Authority has those powers
contained in state law.

All meetings of the above governmental entities are open to the public.
All Lee County citizens are encouraged to attend and participate in these meetings

LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The Lee County/Leesburg/Smithville Planning Commission is a joint
body that reviews all residential and commercial developments and
relevant planning issues and makes recommendations to each
jurisdiction. This seven member board is appointed - 5 members
appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, 1 member
appointed by the City of Leesburg, and 1 member appointed by the
City of Smithville. All members serve two or four year concurrent
terms. The Planning Commission conducts their meetings the 3rd
Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm in the T. Page Tharp
Governmental Building, 102 Starksvile Avenue North in Leesburg. The Lee County Utilities Authority is an authority created by an act

of the Georgia Legislature during April 1992 to provide the county
with water and wastewater services. This seven member board is
appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. All members
serve yearly staggered terms. The Utilities Authority members
appoint a General Manager to supervise the day-to-day operations
of the Authority. The Authority conducts their meetings the third
Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm in the T. Page Tharp
Governmental Building, 102 Starksvile Avenue North in Leesburg.

All meetings of the above governmental entities are open to the public.
All Lee County citizens are encouraged to attend and participate in these meetings.

COUNTY
MANAGER ABOUT THE BOARD OF

RECRUITMENT COMMISSIONERS
The Board of County Commissioners is composed of five members elected by
the voters through district elections for four year staggered terms. The Board, as
the county's governing authority, is responsible for establishing policy for county
operations, enacting ordinances and resolutions to promote the county's health,
safety, and welfare, and approving the annual budget which funds the operations
of the constitutional officers' as well as the departments under the Board's
jurisdiction.
The Board appoints the County Manager under the Board's jurisdiction.

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. and the
fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Opal Cannon Auditorium in the
T. Page Tharp Governmental Building, 102 Starksville Avenue North in Leesburg.

THE COMMISSIONERS

Dennis Roland Luke Singletary Billy Mathis Chris Guarnieri George Walls
District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5

Chairman Vice-Chairman

OUR STAFF

Heather Joey Brandy Kaitlyn Mike Nikkie
Jones Davenport Davis Good Sistrunk Celinski
Finance Director / Chief Building Human Resources County Clerk Public Works E-911 Director /
Co-Assistant Inspector / Director Director Assistant EMA
County Manager Co-Assistant Director

County Manager

BOCOUNTYMRCAENLLAEGER
RECRUITMENT

OUR STAFF

Jeremy Amanda Veronica Jason Doug Wendy
Morey Nava-Estill Johnson Schultz Goodin David
Parks & Recreation Planning & Zoning Election Supervisor Information Chief Tax Assessor Tax Commissioner
Director Director Technology Director

BOMR
CCOAENL

ULNTYAEGER
RECRUITMENT

OUR STAFF

David Coleman Melanie Jim Sara Lisa
Forrester Williams Gahring Rathel Thurman Clark Davis
Fire Chief Assistant Fire Chief / Probate Court Magistrate Court Clerk of Superior Chamber of Commerce

EMA Director Judge Judge Court Director

BORCCOELULNE TYMANAGER
RECRUITMENT

ADDITIONAL STAFF INFORMATION

247
FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES

88
PART-TIME EMPLOYEES

COUNTY
MANAGER

THE ROLE RECRUITMENT
The County Manager is appointed by the Board of County Communicates official plans, policies and procedures to elected officials, County staff,
Commissioners, based on professional training and qualifications, to and the general public. Facilitates effective communication between the Board and
carry out the Board’s policies and decisions and to ensure that the County management, and the Board and the public.

entire community is being efficiently and effectively served. Studies and standardizes procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of

The County Manager’s duties and responsibilities will include the operations.

following: Receives complaints from staff, citizens and the general public and assists in resolving
conflicts.

Sees that all laws and ordinances are faithfully enforced. Prepares studies, reports and related information for decision-making purposes.

Advises the Board of financial conditions and current and future needs. Attends meetings of the Board, and events at which the Board’s attendance may be

Administers the annual budget as developed and adopted by the required.

County Commissioners.
Manages and supervises departments of the County.
Appoints and removes, with Board notification, Department Heads and
staff of the County.
Provides leadership and direction in the development of short and long
range plans.
Coordinates activities with other elected officials and boards,
departments and agencies.
Provides professional advice on County administration and organization
to Board and Department Heads.

COUNTY
MANAGER

RECRUITMENT

ISSUES FACING THIS POSITION

Commercial and Development of
Economic Development Strategic Goals
Continued Financial Succession
Stability Planning
Infrastructure Internal Consensus
and Utilities Building and
Continued partnership to Decision Making
expand fiber

QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration or a field closely
related to county government management, or equivalent combination of education and
experience. A master’s degree in a related field is strongly desired

Minimum seven to ten years' progressively increasing executive responsibility for revenue
enhancement, organization, management, policy formulation and service delivery in a full-service
organization approaching the size and complexity of Lee County or larger,
including five years of experience as the chief executive

A record of successfully dealing with elected officials and boards, other than and in concert
with the Board of County Commissioners

Experience with the principles and practice of county management, including taxation,
budgeting, finance, grantsmanship, environmental protection, human resource
management, and program and service delivery and evaluation

Solid experience and skill in revenue enhancement, financial management, financial
planning and administration of budgets; an agile financial mind

Experience with a broad variety of services, including economic and commercial
development, utilities, land use planning, community development, transportation, schools,
libraries, and parks and recreation
Experience with focused economic development programs and initiatives.

A record of effective hiring and of promoting employee development and leadership,
including delegation, accountability, training and rewards for performance COUNTY

A record of customer service and responsiveness to citizens, establishing an organizational MANAGER
practice of customer-friendly services

RECRUITMENT

QUALIFICATIONS
WORKING STYLE, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

A results-oriented and apolitical Manager who can make difficult strategic decisions and communicate them
in a respectful, compassionate manner
An individual that keeps the Board apprised of potential problems, being detail oriented but understanding
the amount of detail needed for each interaction or discussion
A leader who sets direction, then remains in regular communication with Department Heads to hold them
accountable for accomplishments
A manager who supports policy development by the Board and is skilled at translating policy into practice
with staff members
A person who will become a member of community and civic organizations, appear at community meetings
and events, regional planning and service partnerships, and neighborhood meetings, and is available for
evening or weekend public meetings
A leader with the foresight to imagine and anticipate trends, opportunities, and problems. A person who can
help to articulate to residents and staff the Board’s vision for Lee County
Someone with a thorough approach to examining alternatives, and presenting well- documented
recommendations to elected officials in a timely manner, including explanation of alternatives, pros and cons
A person who will use demonstrated skills in interpersonal, written and verbal communications to build
strong trust with the Board and the public, while enhancing the credibility of County government and the
position of County Manager

COUNTY A person who promotes teamwork, shares information willingly, and encourages an open and transparentgovernment
MANAGER A leader who can make a quick decision under pressure when the situation demands.
RECRUITMENT A skilled public speaker and presenter with an understanding of the media and the importance of positive

public relations
Someone familiar with trends in technology useful for county functions
A manager who is aware of local, regional, state and national issues and practices

COMPENSATION
& BENEFITS

The Lee County Board of Commissioners offers:
Competitive pay with longevity raises every 3 years

and full-time employees are offered:

Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
Retirement Benefit
11 paid holidays per year
Sick leave with the ability to join the sick leave bank
Vacation accrual

apply today!
www.lee.ga.us