Pottawatomie County supervisors on Thursday approved a short-term consulting agreement with a retired county engineer to advise the county’s roads staff and mentor a new hire while the county continues the search for a permanent county engineer. The board voted in favor after a public presentation from the consultant and staff discussion of hiring options.

The consultant, Paul Osmond of Aspen Consulting Services LLC, described his offer as an advisory role intended to “guide and advise and help that person along to understand some of the mechanics of county engineering.” Osmond, who said he retired after 25 years as Crawford County engineer, told the board he would not seek a full-time role but could provide project‑specific oversight for complex, bundled bridge projects.

County staff and supervisors discussed existing engineering contracts and interim coverage. County staff noted HGM is under contract to handle engineering on a separate bridge project and that the county has contracted with the Mills County engineer to provide about six hours a week of interim engineering support. Staff and several supervisors said the consulting agreement would be limited and would not duplicate full administrative duties such as hiring, purchasing or daily operations.

Supervisors also discussed whether the county should issue a formal request for proposals (RFP) for professional services rather than hiring on a consultant basis. A supervisor said professional services typically require competitive procurement. Board members agreed to proceed with the consulting agreement while continuing recruitment for a permanent county engineer and posting open road‑department positions.

The board passed the motion to approve the consulting agreement by voice vote. Supervisors directed the consultant to coordinate with county staff and to communicate through the county point of contact for scheduling and authorization. County staff said they would track time and report back to the board.