King’s contract not renewed

The Fayette County Supervisors unanimously voted not to renew the contract of County Engineer J.D. King during its regular meeting Monday.

The topic of King’s contract and the county budget was discussed in closed session. Upon coming out of closed session, Supervisors chairperson Jeanine Tellin, Darrell Dolf, and Vicki Rowland each voted not to renew the engineer’s contract, effective immediately. 

With tears in her eyes, Tellin expressed remorse toward the decision as she told King that he was “a great guy.”

King’s contract was set to expire June 30, 2013. He will be paid until the remainder of the contract, plus 90 days.

Following the meeting, Tellin said the Supervisors did not wish to comment any further on the matter at this time.

King was hired to replace interim Fayette County Engineer Bill Moellering in April 2003. Moellering, who previously served as county engineer for 37 years, served the county on an interim basis (approximately three months) upon the resignation of Dennis Edgar. 

King previously served as an assistant county engineer in Ringgold County before being named the Des Moines County Engineer in May 1998.

The immediate hiring process will include seeking the services of an interim engineer.