Page County Board weighs appointment of James Varley as County Attorney

During the Page County Board meeting on March 18, 2025, a significant discussion centered around the appointment of a new county attorney. The board reviewed a letter from James Varley, who expressed his desire to be appointed as the Page County Attorney. Varley, who has over 30 years of experience in criminal law and has served as the interim county attorney for the past month, outlined his qualifications and vision for the role. He emphasized the importance of hiring an assistant county attorney to ensure a smooth transition and effective operations within the office.

The board members deliberated on the appointment process, weighing the option of directly appointing Varley against conducting interviews for other applicants. Varley’s interim status is set to expire on March 30, 2025, prompting the board to consider whether to extend this period to allow for interviews. One board member noted that filling the vacancy could be approached similarly to how they handled the appointment of the county auditor, which involved interviews.

The discussion highlighted the board's flexibility in the appointment process, with Varley indicating he was open to extending his interim role if needed. The board also considered the qualifications of another applicant, an assistant county attorney from Orange City, who had submitted her application on time. The board's decision-making process reflects a careful consideration of both immediate needs and long-term planning for the county attorney's office.

As the board moves forward, the outcome of this appointment will have implications for the legal framework and operations within Page County, particularly in how effectively the new county attorney can collaborate with local law enforcement agencies and manage the office's efficiency. The board is expected to finalize their decision soon, ensuring that the county has stable legal representation in the coming months.