In the midst of a budget crisis, La Plata County commissioners are pausing their search for a permanent county manager.
Instead, they plan to appoint an interim manager for 12 months before resuming the hunt.
“We believe that it is good to take a pause on the search so that we can (see) what happens with the ballot, and we can focus on getting through our budget cycle,” said Commissioner Marsha Porter-Norton.
Additionally, potential applicants would likely want to know the outcome of a November ballot measure that could determine the county’s financial outlook, Porter-Norton said.
The county is asking voters to approve a 1% sales tax increase, which is projected to bring in an additional $18 million a year. Its passage, or failure, will have a significant impact on the county’s future activities.
Commissioners had hoped to fill the position by September following the resignation of Chuck Stevens in June. But after an initial offer was made to the chosen finalist, negotiations fell through, leaving the search back at square one.
The immediate goal is to hire a yearlong interim county manager before current interim manager Kevin Hall steps down on Nov. 3, said county spokesperson Megan Graham.
She added the interim job will not be posted publicly, which is not legally required. Instead, commissioners plan to reach out to potential candidates directly and conduct interviews.
Talks with potential candidates are in progress, and at least one person has been interviewed for the position as of this week, Porter-Norton said.
She was unable to elaborate due to the sensitive nature of the process, but was optimistic about the capabilities of those in the running.
“We have excellent candidates,” she said.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
