La Plata County Director of Emergency Management Shawna Legarza was named a finalist for the interim county manager position on Wednesday.
“I want to congratulate her (Legarza) and say that all the candidates that applied were great, and I appreciate them applying,” Commissioner Marsha Porter-Norton said after the unanimous vote. “It’s a very unique position to be someplace for three months – or four or five or however many it turns out being. It's not a normal job. We know Shawna takes on many positions that are quite challenging, and I believe we are tremendously lucky to have her.”
Following the resignation of former County Manager Chuck Stevens in June, the commissioners had hoped to find a replacement by September. However, contract negotiations with a finalist fell through in August, leading them back to the drawing board.
The board decided to push the search past the November election, when voters will be asked to approve a 1-cent sales tax increase to boost county revenue.
“We just feel that after Tuesday, we will know what our revenue situation is in much more clear focus,” Porter-Norton said at the special session Wednesday, where Legarza was named finalist.
The county is required to advertise the position of interim county manager for 14 more days, after which Legarza will officially take on the role. She is expected to serve in the position for about three months.
Rob Farino, the county’s emergency management coordinator, will fill in for Legarza during the three to six months she is anticipated to serve as interim manager, said Megan Graham La Plata County spokeswoman.
If there is a true emergency, Legarza will step in to assume OEM duties, Graham added.
Legarza will earn an annual salary of $186,000 during her time in the position.
The job posting for permanent county manager will go live again Nov. 1.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
This story has been updated with additional information provided by La Plata County. The Herald received incorrect information regarding the advertisement requirements. The county is required to advertise the role for 14 days, not the 30 as original stated.
