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Williams County introduces new building official and authorizes recruitment for several positions
Summary
County staff introduced Sean Cavanaugh as the new building official and the Board approved advertising multiple vacancies including an engineer‑in‑training/CAD role, sheriff office positions and a vector director posting.
Cameron Heimer of Development Services introduced Sean Cavanaugh as Williams County’s new building official and commissioners approved advertising for multiple open or newly defined positions across county departments.
Heimer said Doug Lallam, the previous building official, retired in April and that Sean Cavanaugh was formerly a plans examiner with the city of Williston with experience in architecture and real estate. Heimer told commissioners, “I just wanted to introduce him so you have a face and a name to associate with that position.” Sean Cavanaugh spoke briefly and commissioners welcomed him.
Why it matters: County staff described an increased volume of road and construction work and long‑term staffing needs; the new building official and recruitment actions are meant to strengthen permitting, engineering and public‑safety functions.
Key staffing and recruitment actions
- Introduction of Sean Cavanaugh as building official (new hire); background noted: prior plans examination work for the city of Williston and experience in architecture and business ownership.
- Highway/engineering recruitment: staff explained one CAD technician position previously existed but the department will advertise for two options (CAD technician and an engineer‑in‑training) and return to the board if both candidates are good and an additional hire would affect the budget. The county staff said they will move forward to fill one position quickly and discuss adding an engineer‑in‑training in 2026 if needed.
- Sheriff’s office positions: commissioners authorized advertising for an accounting/payroll clerk and a patrol deputy.
- Vector director: staff said they will proceed to advertise for a vector director position.
Board action and process notes
- The board voted to approve the advertisements for the listed positions. Staff noted budgetary constraints if multiple strong candidates are available for both proposed positions; in that case staff would return to the board for permission to hire more than planned because of budget implications.
Ending: The county will proceed with recruiting and advertising; staff asked commissioners to expect a follow‑up if hiring decisions exceed the current budgeted plan.
