ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — St. Johns County is working to find a permanent replacement for its now-fired, longtime county administrator.
Michael Wanchick is out of a job today after county commissioners voted unanimously to fire him Tuesday.
It comes just weeks after neighbors became furious over the closure of Mickler's Landing for a private dune project.
That's a problem Commissioner Jeremiah Blocker, who represents the Mickler's area, said was caused by Wanchick.
"That was part of it. There were several other instances that had happened, as well, that were very concerning," Blocker said.
TRENDING STORIES:
13-year-old girl shot, killed by 16-year-old boyfriend, police say
Four dead, including St. Marys parents, 4-year-old son in head-on crash
He wouldn't elaborate on other examples, but he said he had spoken to Wanchick about his concerns but nothing seemed to improve.
He ultimately lost faith in Wanchick.
"It was apparent that in the last year or so, he's lost his ability to manage staff," said Blocker.
As county administrator for 13 years, Wanchick's job was to execute the wishes of the elected board of county commissioners.
It's a leadership position that Blocker said pays more than $200,000 a year.
Right now, the position has been offered to the clerk of courts, Hunter Conrad, on an interim basis.
But going forward, Blocker said he'd like to better define the position of county administrator and maybe explore other options.
"Jacksonville obviously has a mayor; Volusia County has a strong chairman position. That's certainly something I think we should look at, and I hope that we will," Blocker said.
Conrad would have to resign from his current position before he can serve as county administrator.
Wanchick will get a payout per the term of his contract. Action News Jax tried reaching him for comment, but the number listed for him did not work, and his information has also been taken down from the county website.
STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories
Cox Media Group
