Live Oak City Council President Adam Prins announced to fellow councilors recently that incoming City Administrator Kerry Waldron would not be able to begin his duties as the city’s full-time administrator until Sept. 1, stating he needed time to deal with personal issues.

“He told me he is dealing with personal issues that would prevent him from being here full-time,” Prins said. 
The board voted unanimously to accept the changes to the contract, contingent Waldron agrees to work for the city two scheduled days per week.

Councilman Jacob Grantham told the Democrat Waldron accepted the offer and has begun part-time.

At a recent meeting, the councilors agreed to sign the first-ever contract for the city administrator position that would protect both the city and the incoming administrator. According to the contract approved by the council and mailed to Waldron, it stated his first official day on the job was July 1, and his contract would expire June 30, 2014. However, when the board received the signed contract back, the starting date was crossed out and Sept. 1 was inked in to be his new starting date. The contract’s new expiration date would be Aug. 31, 2014.

“We cannot continue on waiting, waiting, waiting,” Councilor John Yulee said.

“That’s true,” Prins said. “But Waldron is extremely qualified for the position. I think he is worth the wait. And if he isn’t here at that time (September), I would be willing to move forward.”

With this year’s fiscal budget coming to a close, it was the consensus of the board Waldron be involved with the closing of the books and budget planning for the new year.

Waldron told Prins he would be willing to attend financial meetings and help with the budget process, and also suggested backing down his salary to an hourly rate until Sept. 1.

“He needs to be here for the budget process,” board member Bennie Thomas said.

Board member Keith Mixon suggested the city require Waldron to work for the city at least two days per week on days that fit his schedule until he begins full-time.