THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, September 17, 1994 TAG: 9409170286
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MAC DANIEL, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines
Two-and-a-half months before he officially resigns as Suffolk city manager, Richard L. Hedrick is gone.
The early departure is the result of a closed-door deal struck between Hedrick and the City Council in the past month, according to Mayor S. Chris Jones. The agreement pays Hedrick through Nov. 30, even though he does not intend to work in city hall again.
Jones said the council agreed to let Hedrick leave early to complete his job search.
Hedrick was making $85,000 annually as city manager. Under that salary, 2 1/2-months pay is about $17,708.
Hedrick may be called on for assistance in Suffolk's search for a new city manager. But Jones said Thursday that Hedrick is officially out of a job. His last full day was Wednesday.
Assistant City Manager Leon Johnson will serve as acting city manager until a new city manager is appointed.
``No matter what we do, there will be some people who will disagree with the action that we've taken,'' Jones said. ``But it was obvious that in running for various jobs, he was having to travel and be out of town for interviews. It was felt that this would be the best for all the parties involved.''
Hedrick, 46, resigned July 20 after serving three years. He oversaw some major change in Suffolk, including the start of a revitalization project for the city's ailing downtown and developing a new water supply for this growing city.
Some on the council said Hedrick's resignation came about as the council discussed holding a vote of confidence on his performance.
Hedrick and other council members denied any ill will. Hedrick told the council he resigned because he was seeking work elsewhere.
He was in Florida for interviews Thursday and Friday and could not be reached for comment. Hedrick is a finalist in two hotly contested battles to become a county manager.
Hedrick is one of five finalists for the county manager's job in Volusia County, Fla. In addition, Hedrick is currently undergoing two days of interviews in Polk County, where he is one of eight finalists.
Polk County officials were expected to narrow the field Friday, although a manager won't be chosen. Volusia County is expected to do the same on Sept. 29.
In Suffolk, about 125 applications have been received for the city manager's position. Deadline for applicants was 5 p.m. Thursday.
A first round of interviews will be held on Oct. 12 and 13 by the council. The following Wednesday, Oct. 19, will be reserved for a second round of interviews. A decision on a new city manager should be made shortly after Oct. 19, said Jones. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Richard L. Hedrick resigned as Suffolk city manager in July.
Wednesday was his last day.
by CNB