Darlington County Administrator Phyllis Griffitts announces retirement
Posted by jimfaile on 07/06 at 09:23 PM
DARLINGTON - Darlington County Administrator Phyllis Griffitts announced her retirement during Tuesday's Darlington County Council meeting.
Griffitts, who has served as county administrator for nearly 12 years, said she will retire effective July 30.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure with the County and will truly miss the employees of the County,” Griffitts said in a written statement submitted to council during a closed-door executive session called for personnel matters.
“I hope that Council will find an Administrator that will truly work with the employees and be on their team. Darlington County has some of the best employees who are dedicated to their jobs and provide the best services to the citizens of our County.”
Council met in executive session for about half an hour discussing Griffitts’ decision. Griffitts emerged from the session after about the first three minutes.
Griffitts said she is leaving by her own choice and on good terms with county council.
“I’m happy,” she said after the meeting. “I’m going to spend time with my grandchildren. I asked for this. It’s what I want. That’s what I went in there to tell them.”
Griffitts has worked with the county since 1985. She was named interim county administrator in October of 1998 and later awarded a full contract as administrator by council. She has held the position ever since.
“I hope the best for Darlington County. I hope the council finds the best administrator possible. Darlington County has wonderful employees, and they deserve the best,” she said.
Council Chairman Billy Baldwin announced Griffitts’ decision following the closed session, which came at the end of the meeting, and read her statement. Baldwin said he learned of Griffitts’ decision about two weeks ago. “She talked with me about it,” he said.
“I hate to see her go. She’s had a pretty good relationship working with the county. She’s been good for the county. But this was her wish, and I think we should honor her wishes,” Baldwin said.
“It’s going to be kind of hard for us to replace her,” he said. “But county business will go on as usual. We’ve got a good, competent clerk in Janet Bishop. She does a wonderful job up there.”
Baldwin said council will contact the S.C. Association of Counties for a listing of part-time administrators who may be looking for an interim position to fill in while council looks for a replacement for Griffitts.
He said council will discuss in the coming weeks how it wants to proceed with finding a new county administrator.