If a compensation package is approved by Georgetown City Council next week, the city is expected to have a new administrator next month.

A job offer has been made to Chris Carter, the current administrator in Williston — a town in Barnwell County. He has held that position since December 2010.

Georgetown’s interim administrator, Carey Smith, said the offer was made to Carter this week and he has tentatively accepted it but the package must be approved by council at its monthly meeting Jan. 17.

If approved, Carter will be paid $105,000 annually and he will begin working Feb. 7.

He was one of four candidates interviewed by mayor and council on Dec. 1.

Georgetown Mayor Jack Scoville said he feels Carter’s experience makes him a good fit for Georgetown.

Scoville notes Carter was the administrator in Hendersonville, N.C. for 14 years which was a “full service city” like Georgetown, meaning it has city-owned electric, water and sewer service.

Before moving to Williston, Carter was the North Wilkesboro, N.C. town manager for six years.

“He has a lot of utility experience,” Scoville said. “He has a very good record. It is also important he has a lot of experience in South Carolina. That means he is familiar with South Carolina laws, customs and practices.”

Carter graduated from UNC Greensboro and later he received a master’s degree in public administration from Appalachian State.

Carter’s additional professional experience includes serving as interim finance director, planner and supervisor in Sylva, N.C. He also worked as adjunct professor of political science at the Spartanburg Community College.

Councilman Brendon Barber said he is impressed with Carter.

“I think he will do a fine job. I look forward to having him in Georgetown,” Barber said.

Councilwoman Jeanette Ard echoed Scoville’s sentiments.

“He has had good experience developing Hendersonville and other areas,” Ard said. “His style will be different but he is interested in developing the community. He did a lot of community development in Hendersonville.”

More than 220 resumes were received for the job, which was vacated in June by Chris Eldridge after he was hired to serve as Horry County administrator. Smith, of Rock Hill, has been serving as interim administrator but his contract with the city expires Feb. 15.

Even though he looks forward to working with Carter, Barber said he has high praise for the job Smith has done since his arrival.

“(He) has been the best thing to ever happen to Georgetown. He is one of the most creative and innovative administrators I have ever worked with,” Barber said.

By Scott Harper

sharper@gtowntimes.com