Board sets county treasurer interviews for Nov. 30

The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors continue to move forward with plans to appoint a new county treasurer.

Supervisors Chair Donna Robinson shared an update on the appointment process during the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors meeting on Nov. 10.

“We are still receiving applications and resumes, I believe we have received two so far, and they can still be submitted through Nov. 20. That’s also the deadline for candidates in the special election for District One Supervisor,” Robinson said.

Robinson said the next step was to set a date for interviews, and to schedule a candidate forum.

“We need to decide if we want to follow the same format that we did when making the appointment for the supervisor’s seat, and hold it in the courtroom, with a moderator, with questions from this board. I’ve been through two for an open supervisors seat, but not for a county office,” commented Robinson.

Olson asked if there was another format that was an option, such as a special meeting, such as when Karen Albert was selected as the new county engineer. County Auditor Stephanie Burke said all options were open.

Robinson said that with the possibility of there being a large group to sit in on the proceedings, and to remain totally transparent, that the supervisors would be criticized if they didn’t hold a forum similar to the one recently held for the open District One seat.

“This is a position that will serve the entire county, and while there may not be additional interest, I think it would be a good idea to hold a forum like we have in the past,” Robinson advised.

Robinson suggested asking Jerry Hansen to return as a moderator for the forum for county treasurer.

The supervisors scheduled candidate interviews in a quorum setting, with a moderator present, Nov. 30 at 5 p.m, in the courthouse courtroom.

Robinson said an upcoming agenda item would set Dec. 1 as the date to appoint the selected applicant.

The supervisors also held a public hearing for a proposed road vacation and closure of a portion of P Avenue. There were no oral or written comments received. The supervisors then approved the vacation and closure of a portion of P Avenue, following agreement from the affected landowners.

“It’s basically a dirt road that has been impassible for years, and the farmers have decided they’d just clear the trees out, and open it up. There will be access at both ends so they can get to their fields,” said supervisor Mike Olson.