The Manatee County Commission appointed Scott Hopes as county administrator May 25 by a 5-2 vote, removing the interim tag from his title.
Commissioners said the move essentially creates a tryout for Hopes, citing clauses in the contract they said would provide easy outs if they later decide he is not the right person for the job. George Kruse and Reggie Bellamy cast the dissenting votes.
The contract includes a 30-day notice for termination with no severance pay and an opportunity to revisit the contract Dec. 1. If Hopes’ contract is not extended at that date, his term will end June 1, 2022, and commissioners will search for a new administrator in the meantime.