Commission to start with internal posting for vacancy, will expand if needed

The commission reopened its meeting to take up a recruitment plan for a vacant executive position, and members agreed to start with an internal posting while reserving the option to expand the search if internal candidates prove unsatisfactory.

Chair led the discussion outlining three options: an internal posting only; internal plus external posting; or hiring a recruitment firm. One commissioner argued against hiring a firm, saying, "Money is scarce, and we should be good stewards of the taxpayer money." Several members supported an incremental approach, with one urging, "start off with option 1. And then if needed, in the opinion of the commission, we...have to repost." Staff said either path is workable but requested clear direction on application requirements.

The commission asked staff to prepare application materials and a proposed interview timeline, and members agreed to provide blackout dates to help schedule panels. Staff said they would send the job description and sample application questions before any posting.

The decision was recorded as a commission direction to begin with an internal posting and to reconvene to review applicants; the commission did not take a formal vote on hiring an external recruiter at this meeting.