In finding its new permanent county manager, Macon County didn’t have to reach outside of its own offices.
The Macon County Board of Commissioners unanimously and enthusiastically approved a contract to make Interim County Manager Warren Cabe the permanent manager at the March 11 meeting.
“I just appreciate the opportunity, appreciate the support of the board, appreciate the support of the employees, and I look forward to where we’re going in the next month, the next year, and the next several years,” Cabe said after the meeting.
Before the final vote, Cabe said the job has been challenging, but he’s had good relationships with the commissioners, department heads and agencies he’s worked with.
Board Chair Josh Young said in going through all the applicants, “a good one stepped up.”
“He has absolutely knocked it out of the park. I’ve spoken with about every department head in this county and we have an overwhelmingly great review,” Young said of Cabe. He noted that all the reviews weren’t flattering, but that’s because Cabe is making the employees go to work and demands high performance.
Commissioner Gary Shields asked about the status of Cabe’s now-former job as emergency services director, to which Cabe’s answer was, “I’ll start working on that tomorrow.”
Commissioner John Shearl said two applicants for the county manager’s position withdrew from consideration.
“It’s been a great experience the last several months working with Mr. Cabe,” Shearl said and complimented Cabe on his speed in working on issues. “There’s a lot of action happening, a lot of great things coming for the betterment of the entire county.”
Commissioner Barry Breeden said he appreciated Cabe’s leadership as a new board member. Commissioner Danny Antoine said every time he’s called, Cabe’s been on top of it.
According to a copy of the contract approved, Cabe’s permanent county manager contract started the day of the meeting, March 11. Cabe will be paid the same as his interim contract, $154,526.45 a year plus a $500 monthly car allowance. There is no end date on the contract. County attorney Eric Ridenour said the terms of employment are “virtually the same” as the previous manager.
Following the resignation of 10-plus-year County Manager Derek Roland in September, effective Oct. 31, Cabe was named interim manager on Oct. 8, effective Nov. 1, 2024. Previously the emergency services director, Cabe’s interim appointment was set to run through June 30, 2025.
On Feb. 7, the county commissioners set March 4 as an interview date for the three candidates who met the posting qualifications. After that March 4 meeting with over two hours of closed-session interviews and deliberation, the board voted to go into contract negotiations.
Cabe served as the county’s director of emergency services from 1996 to 2011, and was an active paramedic, member of Franklin Fire and Rescue and assistant fire chief at Clarks Chapel Fire and Rescue. Cabe then went to work for the Town of Franklin as fire and emergency management director. In April 2013, Cabe became Franklin town manager, resigning a year later to be Macon County emergency services director shortly after. Cabe continued to serve as volunteer chief of the Franklin Fire Department until 2015 when the town voted to hire a full-time chief.