McHenry County fills top job from within its ranks

McHenry County promoted a familiar face to the county administrator role.

Scott Hartman, who is the deputy county administrator, was promoted to the county’s top non-elected job in a unanimous vote Tuesday by the McHenry County Board.

The current county administrator, Peter Austin, announced last month that he is retiring after 20 years on the job.

County Board Chairman Mike Buehler said it was his “honor and privilege” to bring Hartman’s nomination before the board.

“I believe Scott is the perfect candidate to helm McHenry County, and he has my complete support and unyielding endorsement,” Buehler said.

The county board didn’t discuss Hartman’s appointment before approving it, but Buehler congratulated Hartman after the vote, and the board applauded.

A copy of the contract indicates that Hartman’s base salary will be $230,000. The contract also would be amended automatically if there are salary adjustments provided or required by county compensation policies.

Austin will retire Jan. 2 and plans to work with Hartman in the meantime for a smooth transition, county officials said.

Hartman, 53, has been the deputy county administrator since 2014. He began his service to the county in 2008, when he was appointed to its ethics commission. He became the staff liaison for the commission after accepting the deputy county administrator appointment and serves as chair of the Illinois City/County Management Association committee on professional conduct, according to a news release.

Hartman was a driving force in developing and implementing the county’s strategic plan, according to the release.

Previously, he was the city manager in Highwood, the village manager in Pingree Grove and served as the city administrator in Marengo for six years. Hartman graduated from Northern Illinois University with a master’s degree in public administration and graduated with honors from Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania.