Tom MacCallum

Richmond County Daily Journal

Richmond County Board of Commissioners approved Rick Sago as the new county manager Monday night after honoring out-going County Manager Jim Haynes.

Haynes retires July 31.

“With a resume like (Sago’s) why advertise” for a county manager, Commissioner Thad Ussery said. He said Sago’s credentials may have been the reason no one else applied for the job.

Commissioner Jimmy Maske said commissioners were “thoroughly convinced Sago is the right man.”

After Commissioner John Garner made a motion with a second by Commissioner Paul Wilson Jr., commissioners unanimously voted to hire Sago.

Sago is presently the Richmond County director of economic development, county engineer and deputy county manager.

In presenting Sago as the candidate, Commission Chairman Kenneth Robinette said it would be one of the most “seamless transitions” the county had ever seen because Sago had been involved in county business since he came in 1997 as director of community services and county engineer.

“He has been a participant in the community for the past 12 and a half years,” Robinette said, with the past few years as a close associate of Haynes in day-to-day operations.

Ready to work

Sago said he was excited to get started and felt Richmond County has the potential for great opportunities when the economy improves.

He has a bachelor of science degree in mining engineering technology from Fairmont State College in West Virginia earned in 1984 and a master’s degree in public administration from N.C. State University in 1996.

He is a Registered Professional Engineer in North Carolina, is a Certified Economic Developer, N.C. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I, has a N.C. A-Water Distribution Certification and Cross Connection Control Certification.

His service to the county and beyond includes being chairman of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority, chairman of he N.C. Southeast Technical Advisory Group, ex-officio member of the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce, member of the Richmond County Board of Health, member of the United Way of Richmond County board, and memberships in the International Economic Development Council, N.C. Economic Development Association, National Society of Professional Engineers and Professional Engineers of N.C. He is also a past adjunct faculty member for Richmond Community College.

His job in Richmond County has included work with high-level decision makers and owners of large businesses. He has had to interact and coordinate with a vast array of governmental programs involving political and administrative officials as high at the governor’s office.

Since the spring of 2006, Sago was responsible for nine new or expanding industry announcements which represent some $814 million in investment and 540 jobs.

He has been involved in numerous grants for county and industry improvements.

Haynes

Robinette presented Haynes with a resolution of appreciation on his retirement signed by the commissioners. He followed that with presentation of a shovel mounted on a board with plaques attached for all the groundbreaking ceremonies conducted during his time in office as a gift from the citizens of Richmond County.

Haynes came to the county on Jan. 2, 1996, at a time when state officials were threatening to take over management of the county because of its economic status.

Robinette praised Haynes for his hard work, leadership, direction and guidance during his time with the county.

Haynes said what has been accomplished over the years has come about through the efforts of the county commission boards and county employees.

Robinette said Haynes will be recognized as one of the best managers the county every had.

The resolution from commissioners cited Hayne’s leadership and management skills and noted many accomplishments in the county during his service.

“Throughout his tenure, County Manager Jim Haynes was always mindful of the importance of maintaining good employees, and he regarded the county employees a one of Richmond County’s most valuable assets,” the resolution said.

Upon retiring, Haynes will have served 30 years in a career with county government in North Carolina.

Robinette said Haynes would be called on when necessary for consulting purposes as he will remain a resident of Richmond County.

n Contact reporter Tom MacCallum at 997-3111, ext. 15; e-mail tmaccallum@yourdailyjournal.com.