PORT TOWNSEND — Voicing some apprehension about dropping into Jefferson County government during a difficult time of year — budget season — newly hired county Administrator Philip Morley sat in on his first county commissioners meeting Monday.
“I’m here as a citizen,” he told the commissioners with a smile, adding he would accept any budget help the commissioners could offer.
“I’m going to be hitting this stone cold,” he said. “I would humbly request some assistance.”
Morley, 54, who worked his last day as Maple Valley’s assistant city manager on Friday, takes the county administrator’s seat Oct. 16.
With Allen Sartin, former county budget expert and central services director, heading toward a new job as county administrator in Eddy County, N.M., the commissioners offered some interim budget help to Morley.
Morley was one of five unnamed candidates interviewed by the commissioners, county department staff supervisors and elected department heads.
Morley succeeds John Fischbach, who resigned Feb. 15 and was later hired as city manager of Goodyear, Ariz.
Morley will be paid $110,000, plus health benefits and mileage.
Fischbach, when he left, was making $89,000 plus a $360 a month auto allowance.
