Barry County schedules second interviews for three county administrator finalists

The Barry County Committee of the Whole met July 19 in the Commission Chambers to interview candidates for the county administrator position and to set next steps in the hiring process. Chair David Jackson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m., and commissioners conducted interviews through the afternoon.

The meeting record shows four candidates were interviewed in sequence: Eric Zuzga (9:30–10:15 a.m.), S. Tutt Gorman (10:27–11:10 a.m.), Stephanie Fox (11:14–11:49 a.m.) and David Pelon (12:41–1:21 p.m.). The minutes record interview times only and do not include the content of the question-and-answer sessions.

After the interviews and a short recess, commissioners deliberated with Ryan Cotton about the candidates and the selection process. Commissioner Mark Doster moved, and Commissioner Bruce Campbell seconded, “to direct Ryan Cotton to schedule second interviews for the position of Barry County Administrator with Eric Zuzga, S. Tutt Gorman and David Pelon, to be conducted at the July 23, 2024 regular Board of Commissioners meeting.” The motion carried with all ayes.

The meeting minutes note public comment both before and after interviews. Gary White told the committee that the chairperson’s selection of stakeholders lacked representation from the public and private sectors and citizens, and he said there should be no deliberations at lunch. Additional public commenters — Melinda Tolan, Tina Conner Wellman and Rebecca DeHaan — also made remarks regarding the candidates; the minutes record their participation but do not transcribe their statements.

Commissioners made brief comments near the close of the session. Chair Jackson will work with Ryan Cotton to arrange the second interview schedule. The meeting was adjourned at 2:11 p.m.

The next procedural step recorded in the minutes is the scheduled second interviews at the July 23, 2024 regular Board meeting.