County appoints interim administrator amid leadership crisis

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the urgent need to appoint Carol Appen as the internal interim administrator, effective immediately through December 31, 2024. This decision comes in response to the recent resignations of two department heads, prompting a call for immediate action to ensure continuity in county operations.

The proposal, which includes adopting resolution 24 23, was brought forward by a member who emphasized the importance of having someone with extensive knowledge of county affairs in this temporary role. Carol Appen, who has nearly 40 years of experience with the county, was highlighted as a suitable candidate due to her familiarity with various departments and her established rapport with staff.

During the discussions, it was noted that this appointment is a temporary measure, allowing the county to reassess its leadership structure at the end of the year. The meeting also touched on the need for succession planning, as several department heads are nearing retirement. Officials acknowledged that the current organizational model has not evolved significantly over the past decade, and there is a pressing need to explore potential restructuring to improve efficiency.

Concerns were raised about the workload associated with the interim position, but Appen reassured attendees that her existing responsibilities would not be significantly impacted. She indicated that her current role already encompasses many duties typical of a county administrator, and she is prepared to manage the additional responsibilities.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of appointing an interim administrator promptly, while also considering future options for both internal and external candidates once the temporary appointment concludes. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the ongoing negotiations with union contracts, which will require dedicated oversight in the coming months.