Staff writer
From the sounds of a conversation between Marion County Commission and accountant Scot Loyd of Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk & Loyd, the commission may consider a county administrator.
The commission and the accountant were discussing a consulting services agreement Monday via teleconference. Among the discussion items was the difference between a financial consultant and a county administrator.
When issues led to questions about Loyd’s role as a county adviser in personnel matters, Loyd commented that 50-65 percent of the county’s budget typically is for personnel services which a county administrator would handle.
Loyd said that a county administrator in most counties would be paid $80,000 per year but there might be an administrator willing to work for $50,000-$60,000 per year.
An adviser could give guidelines to the commission but would not be available every day. Loyd said he would be comfortable staying as the county’s auditor but the commission agreed it wanted Loyd to assist the county in an expanded capacity.
Commissioner Dan Holub suggested the commission wait until after Tuesday’s election before making any decisions.
The other commissioners agreed and the topic will be discussed at the Nov. 10 meeting.
In other business:
- Marion County Attorney Susan Robson met for 10 minutes with the commission in executive session for attorney-client privilege. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
- County department for elderly coordinator Gayla Ratzlaff reported there were 95 people who attended the annual meeting of Senior Citizens of Marion County, Inc.
- Commission chairman Bob Hein requested and received a five-minute executive session for personnel to include Ratzlaff. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
- Holub requested and received a five-minute executive session for personnel. There was no action after the meeting reconvened.
- The next commission meeting is at 9 a.m. Friday for payday and other business. The commission will not meet Monday since it is meeting twice this week.