With the crackle of anticipation in the room nearly audible, the Escambia County Commission work session this morning progressed uneventfully. The public evaluation, and possible firing, of County Administrator Randy Oliver will be handled during the board’s regular meeting later in the day.
As items on the agenda were ticked off one by one, commissioners sat tense in their chairs, listening with the occasional comment.
Commissioner Gene Valentino informed the board he had a 10 o’clock appointment. It would be a quick meeting, with the elephant in the room left to linger until tonight.
Oliver sat quietly for most of the meeting, only weighing in to clarify budget questions and RESTORE specifics. He wore a cold grey suit that matched the hair on his temples. Dignified before the firing squad.
When commissioners reached the tail-end of today’s agenda, they found the matter of the administrator’s evaluation before them. No one spoke, instead waiting out the moment in stone silence.
The commission’s regular meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at the county’s downtown complex. The public input session begins at 4:30 p.m.