Commissioners debate adding senior project manager, defer decision to budget process

Commissioner Coble (speaker 3) urged the court to approve hiring a senior project manager to oversee capital and county desired projects, arguing the role could save money by preventing construction errors and by managing projects across departments. He cited market salary ranges he had researched — roughly $77,000–$90,000 for mid‑level candidates and up to about $125,000 for very experienced hires — and said the county could realize savings that outweigh salary costs.

Other commissioners and staff raised concerns about where funding would come from, noting Potter County’s limited revenue levers and statutory constraints on annual tax‑rate increases. One commissioner said a consultant the county had discussed previously offered to perform similar oversight at no up‑front cost and questioned hiring a full‑time employee while current budgets are strained. County staff said limited funds might be available for about one more year and emphasized that adding the position would be a budgetary decision.

After extended discussion about the scope of the role (capital vs. departmental projects), possible contract alternatives, and budget constraints, commissioners agreed the proposal was a budgetary matter and would be considered during the budget process rather than decided in the meeting. No hiring action was taken on July 28.