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Noethlich Taking Over Reins Of Sebring's City Offices

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

Scott Noethlich has taken over operations of the City of Sebring

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By MANDY SHEETS | Highlands Today

Published: May 9, 2008

SEBRING — His official title is still assistant city administrator, but for all practical purposes Scott Noethlich has taken over operations of the City of Sebring.

In preparation for Bob Hoffman's retirement at end of June after almost 18 years as city administrator, Noethlich has been transitioning slowly into the job.

Now he has basically assumed all the responsibilities of the city administrator with all phone calls being directed to him. He has even moved into the city administrator's office.

"It's going very well," Noethlich said Friday. "It's been nice to have a gradual transition over a long period of time. It would have been a lot more difficult to just step in and take over right away."
He's very busy, but he said he expected that.

"I am very excited about the position," Noethlich said. "I look forward to serving the council and citizens of Sebring."

When Noethlich, who previously worked in information technology for the city, was handpicked to take over as city administrator, the position of assistant city administrator was created. City Council members decided at a workshop Wednesday they will keep that position and hire a new assistant city administrator.

"That's very good news for me and the city," Noethlich said. "The job of city administrator has become much more complex over the years, and I think you need two people to handle it."
Bud Whitlock said he agrees that the city should hire an assistant city administrator.

"I think if we didn't give him an assistant, we would be setting him up for failure," said Whitlock, who suggested Hoffman could take the position as assistant city administrator.

Hoffman said he doesn't want the job, but he would be willing to work part time for about 30 to 90 days to help train the new employee.

"That position needs an assistant," Hoffman said. "I am not looking to occupy that role, but I would be willing to stay on in some capacity to help hire and train the new assistant."

City Council member John Griffin said he respects Hoffman's service to the city, but he thinks he needs to sever ties.

"Bob needs to cut himself off from the city at some point," Griffin said. "As long as Bob is here, people will continue to go to him, and Scott will use him as a crutch to a certain degree. My idea is that we need to hire someone permanently."

Hoffman said the city will advertise the position of assistant city administrator, and he will help train the new employee.

A committee will negotiate a salary for Noethlich, whose current salary as assistant city administrator is $52,422. Hoffman makes $81,666 per year.

"I think we are all aware Mr. Hoffman has been underpaid," said Councilor Margie Rhoades. "I think we need to realize that has been existing when we determine a salary for Scott."

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