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Clay County narrows county manager search, schedules finalist interviews May 6
Summary
Clay County commissioners used a straw ballot to identify finalists for county manager, selecting four finalists with two alternates and scheduling interviews and a 4 p.m. meeting on Monday, May 6 to consider a selection; a public reception was deferred until after contract negotiations.
Clay County commissioners conducted a straw ballot during a meeting to narrow candidates for the county manager position and agreed to interview finalists on Monday, May 6, with a 4:00 p.m. meeting to consider a selection.
Colin Benziger, consultant with Colin Benziger and Associates, told the board the candidate packet totaled roughly 450–480 pages and recommended naming five finalists plus one or two alternates to protect against withdrawals. "It's probably the best pool I've ever had for a county manager search," Benziger said, praising the applicants' experience and recommending a shortlist that would allow the board to focus its time.
Commissioners completed a straw ballot that produced the top vote-getters: Craig Coffey, Steve Howard and Lehi Sossaman each received four votes in the initial tally; Sharice Stewart and Howard Wanamaker received three votes each. After discussion and a minor correction to the tally, the board agreed to proceed with the top four finalists for interviews and to designate Sharice Stewart and Joe Huffman as alternates based on their vote totals.
The board discussed interview logistics and candidate availability. Commissioners agreed to hold one-on-one interviews in the afternoon and convene a 4:00 p.m. meeting on Monday, May 6 to move into a public session for final discussion and, if ready, a decision. The consultant said he would confirm candidates' availability for the proposed week of May 6. The meeting will be noticed as a regular or special meeting, depending on logistics.
Members also debated whether to host a public reception for semifinalists. Commissioners decided to defer any reception until after contract negotiations are complete and a candidate has accepted; staff were asked to plan a reception following successful negotiations and the new manager’s acceptance.
No formal vote to appoint a candidate occurred at this meeting; the straw ballot was a preparatory step to select finalists for interviews. Staff and the consultant were directed to finalize the interview schedule and notify candidates and the public. The meeting adjourned after the scheduling details were assigned.
What happens next: staff will publish the interview schedule and notice the May 6 meeting; the consultant will report back on candidate availability. If a finalist withdraws, the alternates named by the board would be considered for interviews.
