10/31/2005: "County Needs A County Manager"

ig_Kevin_Ranker-2 (14k image) (Official photo)

By Kevin Ranker

Last week the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) unanimously agreed to move forward with the necessary steps to hire a County Manager. This position has been formally and informally discussed here in our community for many years. It is clear to me that our County has grown to a size and scale that warrants this decision. It is clear to me that the position of San Juan County Manager is a position whose time has come. After much research and consideration, I am convinced that the creation of this position will establish a more efficient county government while at the same time engender a more positive working environment for all of our county employees.

As part of our commitment to move on the creation of this important position, the BOCC unanimously approved a budget to go to hearing that includes $125,000 for a county manager, office needs and support staff. Further, the transition plan we unanimously approved provides for responsibilities that include taking over from the BOCC both fiscal responsibilities, including budget leadership, and the direct management of the departments now under the purview of the BOCC.

Now, it is no coincidence that the Freeholders agreed with the BOCC regarding the need for a county manager. It is also no coincidence that the Freeholder's description of what a county manager should do shares the same primary duties as the proposal the BOCC put forward last week – fiscal budget responsibility and departmental management.

The current BOCC has been formally discussing the need for a county manager since February. As a matter of fact, this discussion goes back to the beginnings of my campaign, as taking the necessary actions to hire a county manager was one of my primary campaign promises. Last week's decision has been a long time coming and was not based on the outcome of the county charter, but rather on what is best for our community.