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Since the June 2011 departure of the Deputy County Administrator, County Administrator Brad Thorpe has evaluated the organizational structure of Senior Staff.

It’s his recommendation to the board to revise the structure of Senior Staff and utilize two (2) existing Department Director positions to create a dual- role position to fulfill the duties previously handled by the Deputy Administrator.

Effective February 14, 2012, Ken Frink, Director of Public Works and Cathy Pearson, Community Services Director will now be Assistant County Administrators.

Thorpe believes this change in Senior Staff will provide for more efficient and effective management. “The positions would provide a balance between community and social programs and county infrastructure and facilities.  This structure will also allow continued support for the Board of County Commissioners with policy initiatives and move day-to-day employee operation responsibilities to the Assistant County Administrators.”

Each of the Assistant County Administrator roles will assume significant additional responsibilities while maintaining their current primary responsibility within their respective Departments.

The new positions will be supported by the Assistant Public Works Director and Assistant Community Services Director.  Deputy Public Works Director Larry Brock and Operations Manager for Community and Recreational Programs Amy Engelken will assume these new roles.

This plan continues the county’s efforts to reduce the size of government and if approved, reflect a cost savings of approximately $80,000.