Cass County board advances two finalists for county administrator to second interviews

The Cass County Board of Commissioners voted on Thursday to advance two finalists — Michael Belsky and Patrick Jordan — to second-round interviews for the county administrator position, setting public meet-and-greet sessions and interviews for May 15.

Board members said they used the first-round interviews to assess candidates’ experience with county budgets, intergovernmental relationships and personnel management. Chair Jones opened the public portion of the meeting and led the panel through candidate interviews and a later discussion among commissioners of next steps.

During his interview, candidate Michael Belsky described the county’s finances as a strength and told commissioners, “you have a fund balance, unassigned fund balance close to 50%,” a figure he cited in explaining his budget approach. Candidate Patrick Jordan said the most important job of a county administrator is “the health, safety, welfare of its residents,” and described prioritizing public safety and public health in his management view. The board’s discussion afterward focused on fit, preparation and communication style.

After deliberations the board considered motions to select which two applicants should move forward. Following debate and a series of amendments, the board adopted an amendment to move Belsky and Jordan forward to second interviews; the roll-call vote recorded one commissioner opposing and a majority voting in favor.

The board also set the second-interview schedule and public meet-and-greets: a noon–1 p.m. meet-and-greet followed by a 1 p.m. interview for the first finalist, and a 2:30–3:30 p.m. meet-and-greet followed by a 3:30 p.m. interview for the second finalist, all on May 15. Commissioners asked to gather follow-up questions and send them to the chair of the ad hoc search committee by May 9 so the committee and the board’s retained consultant can organize a comparable interview format for both finalists.

Clerk McMichael and staff said evaluation cards will be made available to the public at the meet-and-greets and that commissioners’ interview forms will be collected for transparency. A resident who spoke during public comment asked the board to add a question in the second round asking candidates why they want to work in Cass County.

The board also agreed the ad hoc search committee and the board consultant would review and refine second-round questions so commissioners can compare candidates on the same topics. No job offer or hire was made; the board limited the second round to two finalists as part of the agreed process.