The Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) discussed the possibility of hiring a headhunter to assist in filling the county attorney position during a work session held Tuesday, April 1.
The current county attorney, Todd Weaver, submitted a resignation letter on March 20, with the letter stating that his last day of employment will be April 9.
County Manager Jack Harper explained that “staff is just looking for direction from the commissioners on how you’d like the recruitment process to go.”
Commissioner Warren Brown indicated that he could be in support of using a service to assist in finding a candidate, “in light of the importance of the position,” he said.
Brown noted that he is aware of the associated costs, but stated the county may end up saving money.
“The last thing I want to do is for us to hire a attorney who’s here for one year and then gone,” Brown said, adding that there is no way to guarantee that won’t happen, but expressed the importance of finding a candidate that has “genuine interest and the financial resources to be here.”
Brown went on to note the county is advertising online and locally for the position.
“I’m not sure if that’s where the greatest draw for that talent could come from,” he said, mentioning that he’s “not married” to the idea of using a hiring service.
Commissioner Veronica Medina commented that she consulted with Human Resources (HR) Director Mitzi Bowman, who indicated that the cost of hiring a recruiter in the past ranged from $20,000 to $25,000.
Medina also commented that the county needs someone that knows government and Colorado law, noting that some candidates may have issues with the reciprocity of their licenses transferring from other states.
“So, I don’t know if it’d be in our best interest,” she said, also noting that she doesn’t “hate” the idea.
Medina then mentioned that the assistant county attorney position job posting needs to be taken down until a new county attorney is hired, suggesting the county may need to reevaluate the pay scale of the position.
The current salary range posted for the county attorney position is $138,881 to $185,693. The position was initially posted with a salary range of $117,060 to $163,872, according to Bowman.
Medina added that the county’s salary range is “a little on the low side for a county attorney with expertise that we’re really looking for,” noting those were comments received by Commissioner John Ranson.
Weaver addressed Medina’s comments on candidates potentially having trouble getting their license transferred from out of state, stating, “I don’t think it’s an extremely difficult process,” adding the county may need a “supervising attorney” while licenses are transferred.
Ranson turned to Bowman, asking for her advice on using a headhunter.
“It might be a good idea,” Bowman replied, explaining the position has been advertised to a list of county attorneys in Colorado.
Bowman also commented that adjusting the pay scale may help recruit qualified candidates.
“I think it would help,” she said.
Ranson then asked Weaver how Archuleta County’s pay scale compares to others around the state.
Weaver mentioned that Chaffee County is currently looking for an attorney as well, and initially posted a salary range capping around $160,000, and have received comments that its pay scale is on the low end.
“It is gonna be a struggle to get someone with … 10 plus years of experience at that pay range,” he said, adding that there are trade-offs when comparing salaries of private practice, but, “I think it’s gonna be a struggle.”
“I think [$160,000] is way too high,” Medina said, noting that other benefits can make up for a lower salary when compared to a private practice salary.
Ranson went on to comment that when the county gets to the point of interviewing candidates, he’d like to have other elected and county officials involved in that process, specifically noting Sheriff Mike Le Roux and Bowman.
Bowman noted that she was involved in the hiring process of the current county manager.
Weaver indicated that his interview process consisted of only BoCC members, suggesting that other elected officials should be included.
“I think at least at minimum the other electeds should be involved,” he said.
Medina commented that she “always” advocates for HR to be involved.
Bowman then explained that the county has received a couple applications already, noting one received did not meet any of the qualifications attached to the position.
Medina mentioned that she’d like to see applications as they come in so that the BoCC has the chance to reply to candidates in a timely manner indicating if they are invited to the next step in the process or not.
“I feel like, overall, we as a county don’t respond in a timely manner to applicants,” she added, noting the county should respond quickly when possible.
“I don’t think that’s a bad process,” Brown said, with Ranson also agreeing.
Medina also explained she’d like to see all applications unless no qualifications are met, saying, “The whole story is never told on the application.”
She went on to explain that, in the meantime, the county has an attorney on retainer and is also reaching out to surrounding county attorneys to see if they have availability to provide Archuleta County with coverage.
“I think we have a couple of different options,” Medina said.
Brown mentioned that La Plata County Attorney Sheryl Rogers may be available, pending approval from the La Plata County commissioners
“She’s very competent,” he said, explaining he has previously worked with Rogers.
“We have a pretty good relationship with La Plata county overall,” Brown added.
“I’m not as concerned as I know others are in the void,” Ranson said, adding it’s “nice to know we have an interim situation worked out.”
Ranson explained that he’d rather have a void in the short-term and wait to get the right person for the position, rather than rushing to fill the position and making “rash decisions.”
clayton@pagosasun.com
