Utility Authority board not appointing interim director

BILOXI — The Harrison County Utility Authority will move quickly to hire a new executive director.

The authority’s board met yesterday for the first time since last week’s firing of longtime director Kamran Pahlavan. He was dismissed because of conflict of interest concerns involving a car purchase and financing the deal through a utility authority contractor.

Board members have directed the board attorney to develop qualifications for the vacancy and initiate the search process. Board chairman Billy Skellie says a new director could be chosen in 30 to 45 days.

Skellie says board members voted to advertise for a permanent director instead of hiring an interim one.