Controller for now

Darby Prater • The Enquirer • September 5, 2008

MARSHALL — Don Gilmer, a former Kalamazoo County administrator and state representative, was chosen Thursday as Calhoun County's interim administrator/controller.

The county board of commissioners named Gilmer to the temporary position. He will take over for current Administrator Greg Purcell, who has accepted the role of deputy mayor in Fort Wayne. Purcell's last day is Sept. 12.

"In looking at the needs of the county going forward, we wanted to make sure we did our due diligence in hiring someone who can meet the needs of our county," said board Chairwoman Kate Segal, D-Battle Creek. "He has local government experience, and he has the time to devote to this job. We think he'll be a really good fit."

Gilmer, 62, retired in December after five years as Kalamazoo County administrator. Prior to that, he served under Gov. John Engler for a year-and-a-half as state budget director, and was a state representative for 22 years, 16 in Calhoun County.

He will earn about $6,600 per month with no benefits in the interim position.

Although he served in the Legislature as a Republican, Gilmer was chosen unanimously Thursday as interim administrator by a majority Democratic board.

When he retired in 2007, Gilmer said he thought he would be playing more golf. He said he thought about it and decided a few more months of work wouldn't be so bad.

"This is just not anything I thought I'd do," he said. "I've worked very closely with Greg (Purcell) and the county commission. I have a world of respect for him. ... For the short term I'm glad to help out."

The Battle Creek native lives with his wife Lynn between Augusta and Level Park in Ross Township.

Gilmer will take over Sept. 22 until Jan. 31 or until a qualified candidate is selected to take over permanently.

Commissioner Mike Rae, D-Pennfield Township, will chair a committee to choose the next administrator. Other committee members are Jase Bolger, R-Marshall, and Betty Arnquist, D-Battle Creek.

Rae said the county board has directed the administration to send out requests for qualifications (RFQ) to seven or eight search firms, and those might be returned to the board within two weeks.

Darby Prater can be reached at 966-0589 or dprater@battlecr.gannett.com.

Originally published September 5, 2008
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