The Lancaster County Commissioners have "made an absolutely terrific decision" in hiring his township's manager, the West Hempfield supervisors chairman says.

"Unfortunately, that does come at the expense of our township," David Dumeyer said.

"So we have our work cut out for us."

Added the supervisors' vice chairman, Ed Fisher, "It's not a position we can fill in two weeks or a month ... it's going to take some time to fill those shoes of Charlie's."

The shoes are those of Charles Douts Jr., West Hempfield's longtime top administrator, who has been chosen for the post of county administrator.

The county commissioners on Wednesday said they have chosen Douts, 53, of Washington Boro, to become the county's top administrative official.

They expect to formally appoint him after the county's salary board meets next week.

And after the move was announced, the chairman and vice chairman of West Hempfield's five-member supervisors board agreed on several things.

One, Douts will not be easy to replace, and is someone of high quality and plenty of experience who "always put the needs of the township at the forefront," as Dumeyer said.

And two, while they expect to begin their search soon, they may not find a successor immediately.

As Dumeyer said, "We've established a good process with him (Douts), we have a terrific staff with some exceptionally fine people ...

"So I think they're prepared to continue and carry on with the fine job they've been doing, at least for the immediate future."

More discussion on Douts' likely departure is expected when the West Hempfield supervisors hold their next meeting, this Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the township building, 3401 Marietta Ave.

Dumeyer began as a supervisor in late 1989, just months after Douts became West Hempfield's first full-time administrator.

"So we've sort of journeyed along our experience of government together," Dumeyer said. "I think we've been very blessed to have had Charlie as our manager."

Asked if it was tough to lose someone with Douts' skills, Fisher said, "It is, but it's a good opportunity for him, a challenging opportunity — and I certainly don't feel like we should stand in the way of anyone's opportunity to better themselves.

"We'll continue ... the township is bigger than any one person, but at the same time, Charlie held the top position in our township staff, and he won't be easy to replace," Fisher added.

"We have to do our best to find someone of equal stature."


Staff writer David O'Connor can be reached at doconnor@LNPnews.com or 481-6033.