County commissioners reviewed recruitment for the recorder/recorder-assistant position, set a plan for interviews and approved temporary interim compensation to cover backlog while the vacancy is filled.

Staff reported that an advertisement yielded eight to nine applicants, including at least one candidate with prior experience on the Odysee platform and related recorder tools. Commissioners asked staff to narrow applicants to a shortlist of three or four for interviews; staff proposed holding interviews late next week and forming an interview committee that would include commissioners and staff.

Separately, staff said Sadie agreed to fill the interim duties during the hiring process. Sadie initially proposed $2,000 per month but, after reviewing the amount of backlog work, asked for $3,000 for a one-month to one-and-a-half-month period; the board approved Sadie’s interim pay at $3,000 per month. The board also approved, if needed, bringing in assistance from a neighboring county (Trail County) at an hourly rate — commissioners said staff should negotiate the rate as needed.

The board directed staff to arrange the candidate shortlist and interview schedule and to coordinate training and transition for the new hire. A commissioner noted the need to arrange training for whoever is hired; staff confirmed Trail County had offered support and training if necessary.

The action taken was a temporary personnel/pay authorization to ensure the office catches up while recruitment continues; commissioners did not make a long-term employment decision at the meeting.