Commissioners appoint Ron Russo as interim county manager after debate over search process
Loading...
Summary
The Jefferson County Board approved an interim appointment of Ron Russo to lead county operations while continuing a national search; supporters said it preserves institutional knowledge, while others argued the board must follow a transparent hiring process and legal staff confirmed a signed severance agreement from the departing manager.
The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners voted to appoint Ron Russo as interim county manager while the county’s recruitment continues, following a prolonged debate about whether to suspend the external search and make an immediate permanent appointment.
Commissioner (S5) moved the appointment and asked the chair to negotiate terms with Russo; the motion was seconded and carried after members exchanged concerns about transparency and continuity. Chair (S3) called for the motion and the board registered ayes.
Supporters of the appointment said Russo’s immediate leadership would steady county operations during the transition. “He’s completely poised to take this on,” Commissioner (S5) said, urging the board to suspend the search until June so Russo could implement policies and procedures. Several public commenters also urged the board to keep the present management team in place and suspend an extensive outside search to avoid additional costs and disruption.
Opponents stressed the need for a formal hiring process. “We need to go through the process the right way,” Commissioner (S9) said, arguing the board owes the public a transparent recruitment and selection process even if an internal candidate is capable.
County legal staff told the board the outgoing manager had voluntarily signed a severance agreement that included a waiver of claims. “She voluntarily signed the severance agreement with all of her claims waived,” a county attorney (S10) said on the record.
County staff said the appointment is intended as an interim step while interviews and screening continue. The manager’s transition plan—presented to the board—asks the current deputy to step back as acting manager and anticipates formal interviews for the permanent post after April 22, when applications close.
The board instructed the chair to negotiate Russo’s contract terms and to continue the advertised recruitment; staff said invoices tied to that hiring process should be retained. The board did not announce a final salary change for other managers; legal staff advised no immediate adjustments to other salaries because of the existing severance arrangement.
The board moved on to other agenda items; staff said they will continue with recruitment activities and return with any necessary contract documents for the interim appointment.
