66 apply for job of county administrator

As of Feb. 8, the county had received 66 applications for the county administrator position.
Although there has been discussion about delaying the hiring of a new administrator, the commission has decided to proceed with the process of finding a qualified applicant.
However, that qualified candidate may not start until Oct. 1, after the end of the 2010-11 fiscal year.
“We may end up being in a jam,” said Commissioner Randy Merritt.
At previous commission meetings, the commission has entertained the idea of leaving Interim County Administrator Tim Barden in that role for a bit longer.
“Everything’s getting done,” Merritt said.
Several commissioners have expressed their desire to hire Barden as the county administrator. But Barden has indicated he has no desire to fill the job permanently.
Commissioner Mike Stewart said the county would be able to save some money by keeping Barden as interim.
Commissioner Jerry Moore has been very frank in expressing his opinion about the current level of county administration employees – saying more cuts are needed.
Stewart said, “Tim is actively trying to figure out how to re-organize. We’re not sitting around idle.”
Moore said he wants to see the assistant county administrator position that Barden held before being named interim county administrator gone.
He added that he doesn’t want to see Barden leave, but would suggest that he look for other employment if another administrator is hired.
Artz said to Barden, “I’m going to encourage you to not run out and find another job.”
Moore added, “Tim is doing one job today that two people were doing. When Tim finds a great opportunity, we can have one person do that job.”
Stewart said the job of county administrator is not easy.
“He’s got thick skin and it’s getting thicker daily,” Stewart said.
The commission decided to proceed with the hiring process proposed by Artz.
Each commissioner will review the applicants, narrowing it down to the top 10 in early March. The commission will then come together as a whole and select the top five applicants, and each commissioner can then also add an additional applicant who didn’t make the top five. Commissioners will then interview those applicants individually. In early May, the commission will select the top three. Those three will then be invited to a public meeting. The top prospect will be chosen and the commissioners will consider the contract and have it completed by June 30.
The commission approved the timeline, but also said they could include in the negotiations that the start date would be Oct. 1, if they choose that route.