SURFSIDE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – The Surfside Beach Town Council voted on Monday night to appoint the Police Chief Kenny Hofmann as the Acting Town Administrator.
This was the first meeting since the council voted to fire the town administrator and deputy administrator and re-hire the former Surfside Beach Planning, Building and Zoning Director.
“It’s something that should’ve happened a long time ago,” said Tom Dodge in public comment.
However, most people who spoke were upset and embarrassed about the public firing of the officials last week.
“I felt that it was a public lynching and that you guys obviously came in with that on your agenda,” said Elizabeth Bradley.
Since no one has been in the roll, the council voted to appoint Hofmann temporarily.
“I’m just concerned for the welfare of the town,” said Hofmann. He addressed the council and said there is a tremendous amount of instability of employees in the town but wants to help in any way possible.
“That’s my overall obligation,” said Hofmann. “Not just as police chief, but also as an employee of the town and try to show some leadership in the town as well. I’m not a town administrator. I’m a police chief. This particular position is just to hold things down.”
Councilwoman Julie Samples said she fully supports Hofmann but said she’s afraid this could put a target on his back. She voted against the motion along with David Pellegrino.
Mayor Bob Childs said he hopes this appointment will only be for a few days while they wait for someone from the South Carolina Municipal Association to take over as interim administrator.
“We need someone who can sign certain papers,” said Childs.
Hofmann also specifically requested he not be asked to fire anyone while in this temporary roll.
“I think council can appreciate the chief’s position,” said Childs. “And I don’t think council would even ask the Chief to do such a thing.”
