Board directs HR to shortlist top three candidates after debate over redacted applications

Pottawattamie County supervisors on April 14 discussed how to proceed with hiring a new finance and budget director after multiple board members objected to receiving redacted applications.

One supervisor argued that redactions of names, experience and references prevented the board from assessing qualifications and asked for unredacted submissions so the board could select candidates directly. Other supervisors and the county attorney warned about confidentiality and potential risks when applicant identities are widely distributed; department heads and HR staff also cited standard hiring best practices recommending a hiring committee to screen candidates and preserve applicant confidentiality where appropriate.

After back‑and‑forth, the board voted by motion (Miller; second Jones) to have Human Resources screen the applications and provide the board with the top three candidates for interviews. The HR director said the hiring committee (to include representative department staff and elected officials) had reviewed applications and would provide a numbered/lettered list to the board; the board agreed HR would provide that list and schedule interviews, and candidates would have the option to request closed‑session interviews if they preferred confidentiality.

A supervisor noted one member of the board left prior to the vote and did not vote. Board members asked HR to provide a short timeline for interviews and to include interview guidance for board members. The board’s action does not bypass standard reference checks or background review; HR confirmed confidentiality of references until appropriate.