Muir takes a hike

County Finance Director bolts for Shasta 

According to a report Wednesday in the Redding Record Searchlight, after two days of interviews, Shasta County Supervisors announced the selection of Mono County Finance Director Brian Muir for its auditor-controller position. He was reportedly unanimously chosen over six other finalists.

Muir, 68, was described as having “a frank style,” during his interview, garnering laughs from supervisors and some audience members when he said not all his current Mono County colleagues are “in love with” him, but they at least respect him.

Muir said he would likely start the job sometime in January.

A graduate of Harvard University and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., Muir said he won’t collect retirement benefits in Shasta County, and will actually take a pay cut from his current $156,000 salary in Shasta, whose auditor-controller position paid $118,000 in 2011, with total compensation at around $166,000. The new job, however, would come as a relief to his wife, who lives in Weaverville to run a hotel the couple own. Working in Mono County has forced the two to make eight-hour commutes every weekend.

“I’m at that point in my life where it’s not all about the money,” he said.

Muir was unavailable for comment at press time, but County Administrative Officer Jim Arkens said the Mono County Board of Supervisors appears to be in favor of recruiting for Muir’s replacement, but added that Assistant Finance Director Roberta Reed would be welcome to apply for the post as part of the process.

“The County’s in shock,” Arkens commented. “I know I am. He wasn’t just a great employee, he’s also a great friend. I’ll definitely miss him.”