Dog-eat-dog: Barkley out as Greene County Administrator

John Barkley, “top dog” and County Administrator for Greene County has resigned from his position, effective immediately.

In a June 30 email to key Greene County government employees, Board of Supervisors’ Chair, Michelle Flynn broke the news:

On Friday, June 29th the Greene County Board of Supervisors accepted the resignation of County Administrator John Barkley effective immediately. The Board appreciates Mr. Barkley’s leadership during his tenure with Greene County.

This is clearly a time of transition for the County and for you, our valued employees. The Board recognizes the anxiety and uncertainty transitions of this nature can produce. I want to assure you that each of you has the full support and confidence of the Board. We trust the county will continue to make progress and deliver excellent service to its citizens. We know that you will support and encourage one another throughout. The Board is optimistic that the challenges we currently face also present tremendous opportunity for progress.

The Board of Supervisors will act quickly to recruit and hire an excellent county administrator. It is also our intent to hire an Interim County Administrator to handle day-to-day operations. Until an interim administrator is on board Deputy County Administrator Tracy Morris will be the point-of-contact. Ms. Morris will also represent the County during Board meetings and assist in developing the agenda and notifying staff if they are expected to present at a meeting. It is not the Board’s intent that Ms. Morris assume the responsibilities of the County Administrator.

Barkley’s bestial tenure in Greene County was marked by questionable (mis-) use of his county expense account, a sweetheart loan deal extended to him by the then Board of Supervisors, and a near lawsuit resulting from his wanton violations of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

Flynn’s email also noted the county’s hiring of former Supervisor (and Barkley supporter), Jim Frydl, as Greene County’s new Planning Director / Zoning Administrator.