Marion may name city clerk

For more than two months, the city of Marion has operated without a city clerk. But when the council meets Monday, an appointment could be made.

According to City Administrator Roger Holter, 22 candidates applied for the position, but only one applicant was offered the job last week.

The field of candidates was narrowed by related experience, skills and expertise, he said.

?We don?t have someone hired,? he said Thursday.

During the interviewing phase, a selection panel, which included Holter and four other stakeholders, decided on the best candidate and then proceeded to the next phase.

?By city policy, candidates have to go through a pre-employment process (including a drug test) along with a statement eligibility to serve required by the state,? he said.

Informing council

Holter said throughout the job search, the mayor and all city council members received listings, qualifications of candidates and a brief synopsis to indicate who was qualified for interviews.

He said city policy states that the city administrator is the only one who reports directly to the council,

?All other employees report to department heads and department heads report to the city administrator,? he added.

Holter said a job offer was extended to one candidate, and the panel is now working through the rest of the pre-employment requirements. Once those requirements are completed, the individual would appear before the council.

?It will be just like what we did the last time,? he said.

Previous procedure

Holter said the process is different for people applying for staff and support positions compared to the city administrator?s job.

He said in the past, city administrators would hire on their own, then present the candidate to the city council for appointment.

?My philosophy since I arrived has been to assemble a panel, and we all have the same input and vote in the process,? Holter said.

?This particular panel was comprised of a city councilman, the director of public works, city treasurer, court/clerk and myself?five people to do the interview process,? he said.

The only modification since joining the city, he said, was using a hiring panel instead of relying solely on his opinion.

Requires approval

?But the individual cannot be appointed to the city clerk?s position until it is done with the mayor (and council?s approval),? he said.

Holter offered some examples to keep the issue in perspective.

?When Angela Lange was hired as city clerk, she had been working for the city before being appointed,? he said. ?Becky (Makovec) was also working for the city before being appointed to the treasurer (position).?

Appointments are based on the city?s charter ordinances and reoccur every year, Holter said.

?We are all hired?all city employees?but we are also all appointed,? he said. ?Appointment basically gives the right and authority that goes along with the position?the legal aspects of the position.?

The next council meeting begins at 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 31, in council chambers.

All meetings are open to the public.

Written By
More from Patty Decker
FOOTPRINTS TO THE PAST
When the Hillsboro hospital at 701 S. Main St., moved to the...
Read More