LAWA approves staffing plan to hire executive director; committee says position budgeted

The LAWA board voted to follow the Finance Advisory Committee’s unanimous recommendation to proceed with a staffing plan to hire an LAWA executive director. Maureen, representing the finance advisory committee, told the board the position is intended to provide LAWA independence in negotiating agreements, legislative strategy and operational oversight while continuing to rely on Garrison Diversion for administrative support such as bookkeeping and meeting services.

Maureen said the staffing plan and the executive director duties are incorporated into the 2026 budget packet (tab R) and the committee expects the budgeted amounts to cover initial costs. Bruce (speaker 14) reported the job description is about 80% complete and said the group plans to advertise quickly; the timeline discussed aimed to have a draft job description at the next board meeting and to possibly fill the role in May.

Board members asked about costs and whether Garrison would continue some administrative duties; presenters said the position was budgeted for 2026 and that much of the administrative support would remain provided in-kind by Fargo, Grand Forks and Garrison while LAWA gains an independent executive director. After discussion the board moved to adopt the committee’s recommendation; a roll call vote was recorded and the motion carried.

The board directed staff to continue working on job description details, to coordinate with Garrison on administrative task orders (a proposed 75/25 split in task assignments was referenced) and to bring implementation details back to future committee meetings.