Outgoing Delaware County Administrator Tim Hansley praised by commissioners

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Retiring Delaware County Administrator Tim Hansley sat in on his final county commission meeting last week

“I don’t even think I should call it a retirement, because he always keeps busy. No matter where he is, he’s always doing something,” Commissioner Barb Lewis said of Hansley on Thursday. “I have a feeling many people will be calling him.”

Lewis praised Hansley for his “nearly half-century of a successful public service” career.

“We have been so fortunate in Delaware County to benefit over the last few years from your being here,” Lewis said. “You look at all the projects going on that you have played an integral part in. Your steady hand through the good times and the tough times has been invaluable in moving us ahead.”

“I think it’s a new beginning for you,” Commissioner Gary Merrell said of Hansley. “Tim has been such a tremendous asset to this county. The thing that is most impressive thing about Tim is his passion and love for this county.”

Merrell praised Hansley for hiring quality staff and leaving the county in good shape.

A county administrator is responsible for many of the county’s day-to-day administrative operations. The administrator is appointed and attends commissioner meetings, but does not vote.

“It’s difficult being a county administrator,” Merrell said. “Commissioners have conflicts, don’t always agree, and Mr. Hansley has handled that with as much composure, professionalism, consistency and fairness as one could expect. You cannot imagine how difficult it is to be the referee.”

The other commissioner, Jeff Benton, was absent, but has also praised Hansley for his service and guidance.

“I don’t know where we’d be as a county if we hadn’t had Tim Hansley here the last five years,” added county Engineer Chris Bauserman.

“You cannot do this job by yourself,” Hansley said. “You do it only through the people that are in charge of the various departments. I’ve always tried to develop people, and let them grow as far as they can grow. I’ll miss the people here a lot.”

Hansley retired on Friday, having been the county’s administrator since November 2010. He has spent more than 45 years as a public servant. Hansley has degrees from Capital University and the University of Oklahoma; and has taught at Wright State University and Capital University. After serving four years in the U.S. Coast Guard, Hansley worked for the city of Cincinnati. He was Westerville’s director of finance before serving as city manager for Tipp City, Lebanon, Dublin, Conneaut, Beavercreek and Pickerington, all in Ohio.

“The five years I spent here went very quickly,” Hansley said. “We’re coming off one of the worst recessions ever, and I think we’re leaving it in pretty good shape.”

Dawn Huston was recently appointed acting county administrator by commissioners, although she shares duties with assistant administrator Seiji Kille.

Applications to fill Hansley’s seat were accepted through Friday.

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By Gary Budzak

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Gary Budzak may be reached at 740-413-0904 or on Twitter @GaryBudzak.

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