Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Planning Recruitment Rfp topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County to Start RFP Process for Planning Services After 14‑month Vacancy; Commissioners Approve Outreach
Summary
Natrona County commissioners voted to begin a request‑for‑proposals process to find interim or permanent planning support after the county’s full‑time planner position remained vacant for 14 months. Staff recommended following procurement rules and considering a recruiting firm’s proposal.
County planning staff told the Board of County Commissioners that the county’s full‑time planner position has been vacant for about 14 months and that the county has covered planning needs by contracting with ECS Engineering and by assigning duties to the deputy county attorney.
Danielle (planning staff) reported that the county spent $66,407 from April 1 to April 1 to cover engineering and legal costs while the position remained open. She said the county extended an offer to one candidate, who declined, and that the national market for planners is tight; she cited Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing a nationwide shortage of urban and regional planning candidates.
Staff presented a recruiting firm proposal (Prothman) with two options: a sourcing/outreach package for $5,500 and a sourcing plus screening package for $11,500. Danielle said the firm would target more than 1,300 contacts and would repeat the search once at no charge if the first round did not produce a hire.
Commissioner discussion and decision
Commissioners debated whether to loosen credential requirements for applicants and whether to pay more than the county’s current offer. Staff said the county previously offered $90,000 to a candidate who declined; commissioners noted local candidates without formal planning degrees had performed well in the past and asked staff to consider broadening the job description to attract more applicants.
A motion to begin the RFP process for interim or contracted planning services passed by voice vote. The motion’s text recorded in the transcript was: “Start the RFP process for that pursuit.” Commissioners said staff should draft the RFP, coordinate with legal and return materials for review; staff will bring a draft to the commission for review and possible ratification at a future meeting.
Why it matters: The vacancy has required outsourcing and extra legal and engineering expense. Commissioners said they want to avoid an ongoing gap in planning services and to ensure continuity for applicants, developers and the public.
Clarifying details mentioned in the meeting
- Vacancy length: 14 months. - Outsourced cost (April 1–April 1): $66,407 to ECS Engineering and legal coverage. - Recruiting firm options: $5,500 (sourcing/outreach) or $11,500 (sourcing + screening). Staff said the second option includes screening and will repeat the search once if needed at no additional cost. - Prior offer to candidate: $90,000 (offered to a candidate who declined).
Next steps
Staff was directed to draft an RFP, coordinate with legal to ensure procurement policy compliance (county policy requires formal bids for expenditures of $50,000 or more), and return a draft for commissioner review. Commissioners signaled interest in considering relaxed credentialing in the job description and in contracting for technical expertise for complex projects if needed.
