At its Oct. 9 meeting, the Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (PAWSD) Board of Directors voted to offer the district manager position opened by the upcoming departure of District Engineer/Manager Justin Ramsey to Andrew Connor, who currently serves as PAWSD’s operations manager.
This decision followed the board interviewing district manager finalists Connor and Dillon Cottingham at its Sept. 29 meeting.
PAWSD board member Glenn Walsh commented that he appreciated the work the board’s hiring subcommittee had done in finding two “solid candidates.”
He added that he preferred Connor due to his experience with the district.
He commented that Cottingham was “very impressive,” but that he saw “many, many reasons organizationally why Andy is the best candidate for PAWSD.”
PAWSD board member Bruce Jones stated that he agreed with Walsh, commenting that Connor has experience and support among other district employees to succeed.
Jones added that he would like to consider potentially hiring Cottingham to fill Connor’s position as a way to hire him and include his skills in the district.
“I definitely think Andy, when it comes to Pagosa Springs and taking over Justin’s position, is definitely the clear choice even though Dillon, I was very impressed,” Jones said.
PAWSD board member Alex Boehmer commented that he feels Connor is best suited to lead the district given its current situation, but that Cottingham was “excellent” and “it’s unfortunate we have to pick one.”
PAWSD board member Bill Hudson commented that he agreed with the previous comments.
PAWSD chairman Gene Tautges stated that Connor would be a “great addition” and that he would “fully support” hiring him.
Hudson moved to enter into hiring negotiations with Connor, which was approved unanimously.
Walsh then moved to nominate Boehmer to act as the board’s negotiator in finalizing a contract with Connor, which was also unanimously approved.
josh@pagosasun.com
>