Osage County selects BirdDog recruiting to search for county controller

The Osage County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 10 to accept a proposal from BirdDog Recruitment and Consulting to conduct the county controller recruitment, pending legal review of the engagement contract.

Staff presented two proposals: Premier/Key Staffing, a $22,500 flat fee with a 50%-of-fee charge for a replacement search if a hire fails within 90 days; and BirdDog Recruitment and Consulting, a percentage-based placement fee (about 20% of the first-year salary, which the board discussed as roughly $20,000–$28,000 depending on the eventual salary) with BirdDog offering a free replacement search if a new hire leaves within 90 days.

Commissioners debated whether Osage County needs a full-time controller. Staff described the controller role as a statutory option that functions as a front-line chief financial officer: managing county financial affairs, payroll, accounts payable, benefits, assistance with budget preparation, and day-to-day financial administration — functions that have historically been handled in part by the county clerk and outside consultants.

One commissioner said the county currently pays third-party consultants and that a full-time employee could reduce those recurring costs. Another raised concerns about adding a high-salary position and the likely need for staff under a controller, which would increase recurring budgetary obligations.

After discussing the differences in guarantee and replacement terms, a commissioner moved to accept BirdDog’s proposal pending legal review of a final engagement contract. The motion was seconded, commissioners voted by voice and the motion carried.

What happens next: legal staff will review the proposed contract and, if acceptable, staff will proceed with BirdDog’s recruitment services to identify and screen candidates for the county controller role.