Commissioners approve hiring plan for county engineer candidate, set salary and repaid placement fee

The Delaware County Commissioners approved a hiring plan June 2 to engage a civil engineer identified by recruiting firm Brooksource for the county engineer role, setting a base compensation plan and terms for the finder's fee repayment.

County staff described a compensation package that combines the vacant salary line and a $40,000 grant-in-aid subsidy to reach $102,400. The commissioners discussed an alternate offer level that had been suggested during recruiting discussions, but the board voted to offer $102,400 with the agreement to repay Brooksource's 20% placement fee over 12 monthly installments without interest.

Staff emphasized the grant-in-aid ($40,000) is a reimbursement that follows the candidate’s formal hire; the county intends to certify the hire and then apply for the reimbursement. Commissioners discussed budgeting options — including using salary-line savings from the vacant position or asking the county council for additional appropriations if necessary — and instructed staff to notify Brooksource of the hiring terms.

The motion to hire at the $102,400 package and to amortize the 20% placement fee over 12 months passed in a roll-call vote with commissioners recorded as "yes." County staff said they will notify Brooksource and proceed with next steps for onboarding the candidate.