The Patrick County Board of Supervisors is collaborating with the county attorney to develop a comprehensive, performance-based evaluation process for the county administrator position.
Jonathan Wood, chairman and representative for the Peters Creek District, emphasized the importance of creating a fair and structured evaluation system.
“We need it to be not based on the person but based on their performance,” Wood said. “We need help writing that to make sure that whether it’s an evaluation used for a current administrator or a future administrator, then that way it’s fair for everyone involved—the taxpayers, the citizens of the county, as well as the employee themself.”
Wood explained that the board is currently working to establish the evaluation framework, as it appears the county lacks a formal process.
“So, we want to make sure there’s one in there,” he said.
Historically, Wood believes the evaluations have been informal. “In the past, I think it’s been more of a ‘you’re doing good’ or ‘you’re not doing good’ type of evaluation. I want something pen to paper to make sure that it’s for the best interest of everyone involved,” he said.
The board anticipates that County Administrator Beth Simms’ evaluation will take place midyear.
“An exact date has not been set, but that will give us enough time to get the evaluation element back, look over it, and make sure we’re good with it. We’ll make any changes that we as the county and the board of supervisors want to make. That way, it’s evaluating exactly what we want as well,” Wood said.
Simms, who returned to work in January following maternity leave, had been scheduled for an evaluation after her return, according to former chairman Doug Perry, of the Smith River District, in October.
The new evaluation process aims to enhance accountability and provide clear expectations for the county administrator role while aligning with the board’s goals and priorities.
