While reading the Sept. 9-10 Durango Herald, a classified ad caught my eye: “LA PLATA COUNTY, Asst County Manager.”
After listing the job requirements, near the bottom of the paragraph it reads, “Salary $114-122,550 DOQ w/extensive benefits.”
My first thought was wow, that is a lot of money for an assistant. With a masters degree? My second thought was, they sure have a lot of nerve to ask all other departments to cut back on expenditures without expecting the same from themselves.
Whether the position is justified or not is debatable. What is not debatable is the administration’s responsibility to the taxpayers to be frugal with what little resources we have available.
I have to wonder, has the need for this position been scrutinized to the same degree as all other vacancies? Would it be possible to operate without this position, perhaps temporarily, until our financial situation improves? Would it be possible to offer a part-time position or a lower salary?
This, of course, would require the manager to do more with less. Isn’t this exactly what the county administration is expecting from all other departments? While the need for an assistant may be valid, I am not convinced all possible options have been considered.
I am, however, certain that by hiring at this exorbitant salary, you can be sure that the $680 per year saved at the DMV by moving a file cabinet “...for more efficient work flow....” (Commissioner Brad Blake in the Herald, Feb. 28), will be completely absorbed in funding this questionable appointment.
Jeff Pratt
Durango
