An administrator with astute financial knowledge and abilities that include communication skills, organizational management and who is able to gain trust and support from others is sought by Crow Wing County.
Those were some of the desired capabilities listed in the county's profile aimed at attracting applicants. Human Resources Director Tamra Laska said she was optimistic an administrator could be on the job in late summer.
"I think we are off to a good start," Laska told commissioners Tuesday.
Laska said she's already received a couple of inquiries. The job posting is expected to be officially released Wednesday.
Other attributes included participation in the community as a resource, an ethical leader with sound judgment who can make timely decisions and has the ability to build a cohesive leadership team.
That may be a tall order, depending on candidates. But the schedule calls for screening interviews to be completed in early May with finalists named by mid-May and board interviews in June.
The county, with about 480 full-time employees, has a $65 million budget for 2008, supported by a $34 million levy. Listed challenges for the area include organizational management, leadership development, financial management, intergovernmental relations, land use and transportation, development and demographic changes, including the expected rise in the area's retiree population.
In addition, the county is continuing to seek applications for its newly created position of land services director.
In the interim, the county has a leadership team of department heads. County Attorney Don Ryan and Auditor Deborah Erickson provided reports of recent leadership team meetings. When Ryan mentioned the team's discussion of the animal ordinance issue instead of using the description of a dog ordinance, Commissioner Paul Thiede said he still had concerns with how the county board interacts with the leadership team and sets policy. Ryan said the use of animal versus dog was in recognition that dogs weren't the only animal involved. Previous discussions about the ordinance included the fact that cats were being collected as well as dogs.
Board Chairwoman Rachel Reabe Nystrom recently attended a leadership team meeting. Nystrom said she was impressed with the caliber and intensity of the conversation and all policy issues will return to the board for discussion in open meetings. As for the leadership team's efforts, Nystrom said: "I thought it was very encouraging for the county."
RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.
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