Staff Writer

Just over eight months after becoming Pike County’s administrator, Mark Tyner is leaving.

Last Wednesday, Tyner was offered the administrator position in Hale County and accepted.

On April 30, 2001, Pike County Commissioners unanimously chose Tyner for the position after interviewing a total of seven candidates.

When commissioners asked Tyner how long he would stay, if hired, his reply was "several years" because he wanted to have more experience under his belt before his next move.

But, the opportunity to move closer to "home" of Tuscaloosa was too good to refuse.

"It’s only about 15 minutes from home and that was the main reason," Tyner said of his decision to leave Pike County.

Before moving to Pike County, Tyner was the city clerk and treasurer for the city of Hartselle, a position he had held since March 2000. He replaced Steve Hicks, who vacated the administrator job in February 2001.

Tyner’s last day will be Jan. 11, just a couple of days before the commission meets again on the 14th.

Commissioners will, now, have to advertise for the $52,000-per-year position.

County Commission Chairwoman Karen Berry could not be reached for comment regarding Tyner’s resignation.