Dozens of county employees gave former county administrator Steve Seale a proper send-off on Friday afternoon at a surprise retirement party at the courthouse.
Seale is retiring after 13 years and Friday was his last official day. He was hired by the county in December 2004 in order to help the Board of Supervisors keep the budget in the black.
“I appreciate what you’ve all done for me and I’ve enjoyed working with everybody,” Seale said to those in attendance. “You’ve been a good bunch to work with. Some of the days were a little more hectic than others but we have gotten through it and I enjoyed it.”
County Chancery Clerk George Hayes, County Circuit Clerk Mike Butler, Beat 3 Supervisor Charles Moulds and County Attorney Jason Mangum all gave remarks on what Seale has meant to them and the county.
“I can’t put into words how much I’m going to miss him being here,” Mangum said. “My definition of a great employee is somebody who makes everybody’s job easier, and he has certainly made my job easier. And I feel pretty confident that he’s made every supervisors’ job a lot easier.”
Seale was also presented with a gold watch and said he would still be available for advice if needed.
Right now, there is no plan on whether the county will retain the position of county administrator.
