Lauderdale supervisors name new administrator

By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
June 8, 2004
Lauderdale County supervisors hired Tony Green, a native of Jasper County and a veteran of the state auditor's office, on Monday as the new county administrator.
Green, 43, is working on a transition into the job now held by Rex Hiatt, who retires June 30. Green started working in the state auditor's office in July 1983 after graduating from Mississippi State University.
Green will earn an annual salary of $67,500. Hiatt, who has been county administrator for 22 years, earns $82,990 a year.
During the transition period, Hiatt said he will introduce Green to county department heads and other elected officials in the area. Hiatt said Green was chosen from a field of about 22 applicants.
Lauderdale County District 5 Supervisor Ray Boswell said Green was overwhelmingly his choice for the job. Boswell also said he hopes Hiatt will continue to be available to the county after retirement.
Hiatt said there is nothing official as far as another county position for him. Hiatt said he is "hopeful I can continue to provide some service to the county in some capacity."
Green said he sought the Lauderdale County administrator's position for several reasons.
Green and his wife, Jennifer, have two sons, ages 13 and 5. He said he and his family are house-hunting and are in the process of selling their home in Jasper County.