Hancock Commission hires new county administrator
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NEW CUMBERLAND -- The Hancock County Commission, during its meeting Thursday, hired a new county administrator, but not before hearing from a previously considered candidate for the post.
The commission voted unanimously Thursday in approving Paul Zuros as the new county administrator.
"We've offered him the position and he's accepted," noted Commissioner Eron Chek.
Since April 2019, Zuros, a native of Weirton, has served as the director of Historic Fort Steuben and the Steubenville Visitors Center. Zuros also previously was employed as the operations and communications manager of the West Virginia Humanities Council, and had, at one time, been the director of a historic house museum in Charleston.
"He's a strong candidate and did a great job," explained Commissioner Jeff Davis, adding Zuros has experience in information technology, including website operations which the commission feels will assist existing IT staff.
A proposal "of approval to hire within the IT Department," was pulled from Thursday's agenda.
"We look forward to having him aboard," Commission President Paul Cowey said of Zuros.
Earlier in the meeting, during the Citizens' Remarks portion, resident David Willie addressed council concerning the county administrator portion.
Willie previously had been considered for the post, but was voted down 1-2 during a special commission meeting Sept. 30.
Willie said he had been offered the job at one point.
"Two days later, I received a call with some concern," he said.
During the Sept. 30 meeting, Chek questioned why it had not been disclosed Willie's wife was employed part-time by Davis. Chek and Cowey had voted against the hire during the Sept. 30 meeting.
Willie, speaking Thursday, said he has 42 years of experience in banking, and that his wife working seven to 10 hours a week at one of Davis' businesses seemed like a secondary issue, adding he has been friends with both Davis and Cowey for many years.
"I did not ask for any favors," he said.
Willie wished the commissioners well, saying his concern is to "be trusted by the people of this county."