The Wright County Board of Supervisors voted on Oct. 20 to approve hiring Aaron Budwig as the county’s economic development director, with the candidate present for questions from supervisors.

Budwig introduced himself to the board and described a background in health care administration, municipal government and grant work. He told the board he had served as a city administrator and said he had “participated in grant solicitation” that helped secure what he described as “well over, 2 to $3,000,000 in different types of grants” in prior roles.

Why it matters: the county’s economic development director is responsible for coordinating efforts across eight municipal jurisdictions, working with local governments and stakeholders to attract businesses and housing and to support existing employers. The board pressed Budwig on how he would approach a county-wide comprehensive plan and how he would work with small and rural communities.

Candidate’s stated approach: Budwig said his first 60 to 90 days would be spent meeting stakeholders and learning existing plans rather than imposing a ready-made program. “My plan is, the first, 60 to 90 days is to learn the team players that that that stakeholders here in Wright County,” he said. He also said he favored outside facilitation on comprehensive planning where internal facilitation historically fails, and emphasized setting tangible goals and accountability.

Compensation and start date: During public discussion, county staff listed an offer that included an $85,000 salary (26 pay periods) plus leave and a telephone stipend. Budwig told the board a proposed start date of Nov. 17.

Previous steps and conditions: Earlier in the meeting, the board heard a recommendation from the Wright County Economic Development Commission to hire Budwig (referred to in the packet and by presenters as Aaron Budwig). An earlier motion to approve hiring (a version of the motion referenced pre-employment physical and drug screen and used the name “Erin Budwig” in the motion) failed on an initial roll call with supervisors Bosch, Lukes and Ellis recorded as voting nay. A subsequent motion to table hiring for one week carried; later in the same meeting the board reconsidered and approved the hire.

Decision and next steps: After questions from supervisors, a motion to approve the hire carried. Budwig said he would meet with local stakeholders and begin coordinating with existing county economic development staff and the Economic Development Commission.

Ending: The board approved the hire and Budwig said he was prepared to begin once administrative steps and onboarding were completed.