Reid's employment with county becomes official

At about 4 p.m. Dec. 15, Sarasota County Commission Chairwoman Nora Patterson signed the contract with new County Administrator Randall H. Reid, officially making him the successor to former County Administrator Jim Ley.

“I am excited about it and I look forward to his coming and bringing us a fresh perspective,” Patterson said Dec. 15. “I think he’s a very capable and respected administrator, and I think we deserve no less.”

County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh had reported Dec. 14 that Reid had signed the contract and mailed it back to Sarasota County. DeMarsh had sent Reid the contract last week after Reid had passed the physical and the final background check county policy stipulated.

Patterson’s signature was the last action needed before Reid could start his new job. Reid is expected to begin work in late January. As Alachua County manager, he had to give his board in Gainesville a 60-day notice that he was leaving, after the Sarasota County Commission offered him the administrator’s job.

Patterson said Reid is eager to get to know Sarasota County residents. When he arrives, she said, “I think people will be seeing a lot of him.”