County Administrator timeline, Which Is A Very Big Deal

At the IGA 'second meeting' yesterday, a timeline for moving on the County Manager* position was laid out.

There was general agreement that the Board as now constituted is in favor of moving forward (but not necessarily unanimously).  So here's what we hope will happen, and when -

- The IGA Committee will send all the job descriptions and local laws it has collected to Ellen Coccoma, County Attorney, so she can begin drafting our local law (first) and our job description (later).

- Ellen will come to the first IGA meeting in September (Sept. 10, 9AM) to talk about details of the local laws, ask the Committee questions, etc.

- Ellen will present a draft to the IGA at their second meeting in September (Sept. 24, 9AM).

- The IGA Committee will formally present their proposal for a CM/CA at the full Board meeting on October 2.  Debate will be encouraged.

- It takes a while to prepare a local law for passage, including announcing it at one (two?) Board meetings and then having a public hearing (usually right before a Board meeting).  Most of our required public hearings attract no speakers from the public, mostly because they're addressing pretty abstruse issues.  But this one might attract opponents.

- Vote on the local law during the December Board meeting (Dec 4). 

We talked about a six-month search process (beginning, obviously, after the local law is approved).  The job description would be completed by the time this process begins.  We want to be thorough, careful and patient.  The Committee voted to request $75,000 in the 2020 budget for salary, fringe and staffing.  There has only been general discussion about staffing, focusing on an administrative assistant, full or part time.  This may be a new position, or one that uses existing staff in the Board Clerk's or Treasurer's office.

The fact that we've established a timeline and are talking specifics is a very big deal.  This is something the Board has been talking about and debating for around 25 years. 

* Actually, I think there was consensus on using the term County Administrator, as it more accurately describes what we want - not a Manager in authority over Department Heads, but someone who will provide administrative assistance and leadership.