Lehigh County is still without a director of administration.

The board of commissioners questioned potential candidate and former Commissioner Dan McCarthy at its Jan. 8 meeting on his motives for pursuing the job and what he intends to accomplish, specifically asking McCarthy if he is willing to cut certain items from the budget when necessary. McCarthy was also asked if his serving as an attorney would lead to any conflicts of interest.

"I may seem like a nice guy," McCarthy said. "But I can say 'no' with a smile."

Also at issue is McCarthy receiving a county pension of $25,000 per year after four years of service as director of administration. McCarthy said his motive in accepting the position is to contribute to the community, not seek financial gain.

Commissioner Scott Ott further questioned McCarthy on his previous voting record, indicating on a number of occasions McCarthy, rather than cut items from the budget, sought to add items back in.

McCarthy said as director of administration he will strive to keep the fiscal health and well-being of the county as a top priority.

Commissioner Percy Dougherty offered his support to McCarthy.

"He is going to be able to think like we think and add to the administration," Dougherty said.

Ott also asked county Executive Tom Muller, who previously served as county director of administration, his reasoning for seeking to fill the director of administration position, arguing Muller performed duties as an administrator that overlap with the executive position.

Muller explained there are certain nuances and duties as an executive he was not formally exposed to. Additionally, he said he wants to spend more time as an executive reaching out to the community.

Muller added McCarthy is a strong candidate, based on his experience serving as a county commissioner for many years and his extensive experience managing law firms.

The commissioners will vote on McCarthy's potential appointment during the board's Jan. 22 meeting.

In other business, the commissioners unanimously approved a professional service agreement with Complete HealthCare Resources-Eastern, Inc. The cost of the study is $18,000.

"We need expert advice to give us a number of options so we can see which way to go," Dougherty said.

The study should take six to eight weeks to complete.

Also during the meeting, it was announced Dennis Reichard withdrew his name as a potential candidate for fiscal officer. Muller said he is currently seeking a candidate to fill the position.

The next meeting will be held 7:30 p.m. Jan 22 in the public hearing room of the Lehigh County Government Center, 17 S. Seventh St., Allentown.