When the Rockingham Housing Authority hired Angela McGill to be its director last November, the agency hoped it had found a long-term solution to the problems it faced after a federal investigation led to house cleaning among its staff.

Less than a year later, the search is back on for that long-term solution now that McGill has announced she will return to the housing authority she left last year in High Point.

The board is planning to meet Tuesday at Rockingham City Hall to discuss its predicament.

“We want somebody who’s going to be a part of the City of Rockingham, make the housing authority even better than it is now and continue the work we’ve already got going,” Board Chairwoman Denise Sullivan said.

A press release from the RHA last week delivered the news of McGill’s impending departure, but gave no date for it.

A press release from the High Point Housing Authority indicated McGill will join that agency Nov. 1.

During its last search for an executive director, the board used Mar-Key Specialized Staffing of Monroe to identify a pool of candidates.

A company representative explained these types of job searches typically cost between 10 and 15 percent of the annual salary for the position being filled.

For the RHA, this would cost from $8,000 to $12,000, since the director makes about $80,000 a year.

In addition to the cost of the job search, McGill’s contract included a $3,000 moving allowance, a car allowance, health insurance and the use of a cell phone.

The money comes from federal HUD coffers, but it comes out of the agency’s budget.

In her new role, McGill will most likely see a significant pay raise. Her predecessor made about $117,000 a year.

The HPHA is also a larger agency, administering 1,100 conventional housing units and 1,500 Section 8 rental properties, while the RHA administers about 225 conventional housing units and 50 Section 8 rentals.

Rockingham Mayor Gene McLaurin has emphasized the oversight function of the board in his appointments since the investigation of the housing authority was opened in April 2009.

While the mayor makes appointments to the agency’s board of directors, it is federally-funded and managed by officials of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“I think the board has a better handle on their roles and responsibilities, and I trust their judgment moving forward,” McLaurin said Monday.

Under the leadership of McGill, the RHA made strides on the physical condition of its grounds and the collection of rent from its tenants.

A recent inspection of the grounds improved upon its score of 44 earlier this year to a 77, and the agency began suing tenants with delinquent accounts.

Oversight from HUD for the RHA has also been stepped, and a federal official now attends each of their board meetings.

It hasn’t yet been determined what HUD’s role in the search for a new director for the agency will be.

Staff Writer Philip D. Brown can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 32, or by e-mail at pbrown@yourdailyjournal.com.