Charles City County parts ways with former county administrator Johnson

Charles City County will launch a search for new county administrator.

Charles City County released an announcement of the departure of Michelle Johnson from the position.

“Charles City County and Michelle Johnson has agreed to an amicable separation,” said Charles City Board Chairman Byron Adkins Sr. in an announcement made on Dec. 12. “We wish Ms. Johnson a speedy and healthy recovery.”

In October, Charles City’s Board of Supervisors appointed Coada as the interim county administrator after Johnson took a medical leave of absence. Because the issue is personnel based, Coada could not speak about the circumstances of Johnson’s departure or the board’s decision for the amicable split.

On June 14, 2017, Johnson acquired the role of Charles City County Administrator after the departure of Zach Trogdon. Prior to that, Johnson had worked as the deputy county administrator and county finance director for 12 years. She has served the last seven years as the county administrator. Among accomplishments under Johnson’s tenure include negotiating a contract to bring broadband to Charles City, negotiating the establishment of a food pantry, and also assisting with the growth and development of Marketplace 5.

But it’s been no secret that the past few months have been chaotic within Charles City. Citizens have lashed out at county leaders, accusing the board of a lack of transparency. Johnson has been targeted herself by some citizens, with some of them losing faith in her decision-making. In particular, county leaders were questioned about Johnson’s recommendation to sell land to C5 LLC at a cost lower than the value of the property. And although C5 LLC upped the purchasing price voluntarily, questions on why the property was sold to C5 LLC when previous inquiries about it were received with responses that the property was not for sale. More doubts surfaced when no answer was provided on why the county borrowed $5.2 million in Revenue Anticipation Note funds, leading to questions of financial mismanagement on the county’s end and Johnson’s leadership.

But for every critic of Johnson, there was also praise rendered. In particular, longtime resident Elnora Robinson said in an October meeting that more revenue started flowing into the county upon Johnson’s takeover. In addition, grants written by Johnson and her team have saved the county millions of dollars, including one to expand broadband.

For now, no additional information has been provided about when a search will be conducted for Johnson’s replacement. Johnson was unavailable for comment due to her medical leave of absence.