County becoming more businesslike,

constructing county administrator position       

[MARCH 13, 2004]  The Logan County Economic Development Committee made a unanimous decision that it is time to hire a county administrator. The idea has been bandied about for quite some time. Intentions to start on it were tabled two months ago.

This would probably be the best thing we could do for the future, board Chairman Dale Voyles said.

Mr. Lascody, a consultant from Sikich Gardner, recently did a fee study for the county. He and others -- people who are working in positions such as county manager or administrator -- indicate that there will be enough funds generated from fees and grants from the administrator's work that the position will more than pay for itself. The administrator will help get a lot of other work done besides.

While the job is not budgeted, it will not be put into effect immediately either. It will take place down the road, Voyles said.

The administrator will help supply continuity of policy in the decision-making process. To do this most effectively there needs to be an executive group to give guidance and direction and set policy. The board sets policy, and the administrator implements the policy and runs the day-to-day business.

The county has approximately 140 employees throughout the county. The administrator would assist with human resources, personnel decisions, hiring, insurance, economic development and other areas.

Chairman Voyles said that the administrator would help provide continuity. Every two years the board changes. There are new chairmen, new board members. The administrator would provide consistency and direction.

The right person could pay their salary plus gain us a lot in revenue, committee chair Terry Werth said. That person will help get the county ahead through grants we're missing out on and by helping with the bidding process, which can be more effective if someone is there. There are many areas that each committee needs help with.

At Thursday evening's work session Chairman Voyles said he will appoint a task force. The task force will develop a job description, job specifications and salary range for the position and later interview potential candidates. Committee chair T.W. Werth will head up that committee.

The county also continues working to build business in the county in conjunction with the city of Lincoln and the chamber of commerce through the new economic development partnership. The partnership is a free-standing, independent organization that seeks to support current businesses and develop new business in Logan County.

Last month the EDP hired Rob Orr as a full-time director. During their first meeting they revised their bylaws and set up a new structure. Each of the three entities will have five representatives: two from their board and three more appointed that are not from their board. Chairman Voyles said that he will announce the three names chosen from the county next month.

Chairman Voyles said they got a lot done in three hours at that first meeting. We really had a great meeting, he said. It all came together and it was a positive setting. "I think there are good things to come in the future for us," he said.

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