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Sheriff Masters to step down; commissioners map timeline to name successor and require POST certification
Summary
Sheriff Bill Masters told the Board of County Commissioners he expects to leave in early June and asked the board to name his successor promptly so he can provide a transition period. The board discussed a condensed appointment timeline, statutory qualifications and interview scheduling.
Sheriff Bill Masters informed the San Miguel County Board of County Commissioners at its Feb. 12 work session that he intends to step down in early June and requested that the board move quickly to identify and name a successor so the sheriff can provide several months of transition and training.
"I'd like... three months with that person, before I leave in June," Masters said, urging the county to name a successor with sufficient lead time to allow hands-on training.
County staff and the board discussed a timeline and process for filling the vacancy. Jared Biggs summarized statutory qualifications that the board must observe: a sheriff must be a U.S. citizen, a Colorado citizen, and a resident of the county; must possess a high-school diploma or equivalent; must pass a criminal-background check; and must obtain POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certification within the timeframe required after taking office. Jared and the board also noted state statutory silence on required process steps for appointment, leaving the board discretion on advertising and interview procedures.
Commissioners said they wanted a prompt, pragmatic process that included both internal and external recruitment but did not require a national search. Commissioners expressed a preference for candidates with POST certification or with an ability to obtain it promptly. Several commissioners and Sheriff Masters emphasized management experience, leadership, budget oversight familiarity and community fit as important criteria.
The timeline discussed during the meeting (staff to return to the board with a formal proposal next week) included: posting the vacancy after the board approves a job description, a minimum two-week application period, an initial round of interviews the week after the posting closes and a second-round or finalist interviews before the March 19 regular meeting, when the board would name a preferred successor. The board indicated it would not finalize the appointment until the sheriff's resignation is effective in early June, allowing the nominee to work with the incumbent prior to taking office.
No final vote or appointment was taken at the Feb. 12 work session. Staff said they will draft a vacancy posting, recommended minimum and desired qualifications (including POST certification as a desired/strongly recommended requirement), and proposed interview dates for the board’s approval at the Feb. 19 regular meeting.
