County's administration director to stay on job another year

Thursday, May 21, 2009 3:07 AM  |  Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend |

By Jessie Burchette

jburchette@salisburypost

Ken Deal, the county's director of administration, has decided to stay on the job at least another year.

Earlier this year, Deal filed as a Republican candidate for the Rowan County Board of Commissioners. At that time, Deal said he planned to retire in December.

One of seven candidates in the primary, he failed to win one of the two nominations.

The 56-year-old China Grove resident filed retirement paperwork with the state, meeting the 120-day notice required.

As his retirement plan was sailing along, the economy and stock market soured.

Deal said the 30 percent loss in his 401K was a major factor in his decision to keep working.

And he also likes the job.

Deal has worked for the county since Sept. 1, 1986, and is the county's de facto deputy county manager overseeing several areas of operation.

Deal cited the new board incoming and the opportunity to work with Gary Page, who became county manager earlier this year.

Page praised Deal's expertise in human resources, pointing to the current hiring freeze and upcoming budget issues dealing with benefits and raises.

"Having Deal stay at least another year will be good," said Page. "The budget is right around the corner; having Deal on the job will be a plus."

Chad Mitchell, current vice chairman of the board of commissioners, welcomed Deal's decision. Mitchell said Deal's experience and knowledge of county operations will be an asset for Page and the county.