Deputy Finance Director Heather Woody was named as interim director in an emergency meeting today (Wednesday).
“Ms. Woody is well respected and has a vast knowledge of local government,” County Manager Eddie Madden said. “She will provide the leadership needed until we can find a finance director.”
Lacie Jacobs resigned Tuesday after a meeting with Madden. She was with the county for just under two years, having been hired in November 2022 from Southeastern Community College. No reason for the resignation has been given why the county.
Grants administrator Tess Norris also turned in her resignation Wednesday morning, Madden said.
Madden told the board that the emergency meeting was called at the urging of the county’s audit firm and the Local Government Commission (LGC). The county is undergoing an extensive audit that is being evaluated by the LGC.
Jacobs was praised by commissioners for most of her time with the county, but came under fire in June when she told the board that anticipated property tax revenues had been miscalculated by more than $2 million, forcing a budget amendment and straining the county’s reserves. The projections were based on an anticipated growth of five percent during Fiscal Year 2023-24. The 24-25 fiscal budget is based on seven percent growth.
Madden said that Assistant County Manager Nick West will be assisting with the ongoing audit as well as the installation of new accounting software this fall.
A hiring date for a new finance officer has not been announced.
