Herkimer County Community College President Ronald F. Williams announced on May 7  that his last day of employment will be June 18 instead of July 27, the date given in his contract.
Williams is going to forgo any difference in salary and fringe benefits, said Donald J. Snyder, HCCC Board of Trustees chairman, in a phone interview.
The current salary is $150,000, according to his contract. Fringe benefits include two entertainment funds not to exceed $3,000 and $2,000, being for costs associated with enhancing visibility and goodwill within the community and on the campus.
Having originally announced his retirement in October, Williams never set a date other than the spring semester, according to Snyder. “He announced so we could get going on our search (for the next president.)”
Williams indicated to the board his desire to make May 16, following commencement, the last day of  22 years as president, according to a release.
The board of trustees recommended that Williams take accumulated vacation days, said Snyder. “He earned them.”
Snyder commented on letters and calls the college has been receiving and a lack of scrutiny at other institutions.
“It seems to me that people are picking on Herkimer.” said Snyder. “I know there are negative things that happened, but negative things happen everywhere.”
As of Feb. 29, the president had 55-and-a-half days remaining in his contract, according to information provided by HCCC.
The total number would be used by June 18, with Williams working several days during the duration, according to Rebecca Ruffing, assistant public relations director.
Williams said in a phone interview that he worked with Snyder for months on the retirement details.
“I did not want to leave the college without leadership.” said Williams, adding he is confident the decision will be made on his replacement by June 18.
Every candidate was willing to wait for July 27, according to Snyder. The decision to move up the date saves money and speeds up the transition for the college.
The three finalists are: Ann Marie Murray, vice president for Academic Affairs, Broome Community College; Daniel Murphy, dean of Academic Affairs, Herkimer County Community College; and Taras Herbowy, executive director, Municipal Housing Authority, City of Utica, and president, Rebuild Mohawk Valley, Inc.