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Ottawa County commissioners advance five finalists to in-person interviews after hours of debate
Summary
After several hours of debate over transparency and confidentiality in its administrator search, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners voted 7–4 to advance five finalists identified by the search consultant to in-person interviews scheduled for June 11–12.
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners voted to advance five finalists to in-person interviews in its search for a new county administrator after an extended meeting marked by debate over transparency and candidate confidentiality.
Chair John Tippels, who led the meeting, said the commissioners had reviewed the materials and that most of the candidates had requested confidentiality. "Thirty‑seven of the 39 candidates have asked that their materials be kept confidential," Tippels said, stressing the board’s legal obligation to honor confidentiality requests. He added that the board had the obligation to follow the law while still allowing public input at later stages.
The winning motion to advance the consultant's top five passed on a roll call with seven votes in favor and four opposed. Commissioner Josh, who moved the two‑hour recess earlier in the meeting, later argued against delaying the selection process further and supported moving a smaller slate forward so interviews could be scheduled.
Mitch, the staff member coordinating logistics, said the county would contact the five finalists and give them 12–18 hours to waive confidentiality and accept interview invitations. "I will be calling those five, letting them know the county's interest to interview them in person, and will give them between 12 and 18 hours to respond," Mitch said. He said interviews are scheduled for June 11–12 and that the citizen interview sessions will be public.
The decision ends a series of motions proposing alternative paths (including advancing 7, 9, or 12 candidates) that failed to gain the necessary support. The board set a public schedule for interviews and asked staff to prepare a press release and communications plan to notify candidates and the public.
The board adjourned after confirming logistics for the interviews and scheduling any necessary follow‑up work for June 13 if a final hiring decision is not reached at the conclusion of the interviews.
