Quincy Reporter

Adams County Board Search Committee Met April 27.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Meeting called to order by Chairman Obert at 5:55 pm.

Members Present: Mat Obert, Kent Snider, Robert Reich

Members Absent: Les Post, Raquel Piazza, Bret Austin

Others Present: Ryan Niekampa

Mr. Obert stated that Mr. Post sent the committee an e-mail with his thoughts and comments regarding the topic. Mr. Post, through Mr. Obert. Mr. Post stated that he was mixed on the title as we need them to have the power to act quickly, but the more power that the Board gave created more problems. It is hard to call someone that over sees other employees an executive assistant. Mr. Obert stated that he was curious to know what others thought as they must post the position. Originally the position was named “executive assistant” but then moved to “Director of Administrative Services”. Mr. Reich stated that he was happy enough with the title of executive assistant. Mr. Obert stated that a title of director made it sound like someone with some power. Mr. Obert stated he believes a person could have a title of executive assistant with direct reports. Mr. Niekamp asked if he could interject a thought that the term “Director of Administrative Services” might get confusing with the Director of Administrative Services for the city of Quincy because with the city, it is completely different term. Mr. Reich stated that he agreed with that though, as did all members present. Mr. Obert stated that they would post the job as an Executive Assistant and it could be changed later. Mr. Snider stated that at this point, they will only oversee human resources and payroll. Mr. Obert stated that at this point, the job posting will be posted on the county’s website and then asked if there is an original job posting to Mr. Niekamp. Mr. Niekamp stated that he provided the committee with the original job description and job posting. Mr. Reich thought the job description was very thoroughly written. Mr. Snider mentioned that Caitin, in HR, knows how to post the jobs, etc. Mr. Obert stated that he would work with Caitlin to get the job posting posted and that they will work with Mr. Niekamp to ensure that everything is official. Mr. Obert stated he would get something posted at the beginning of the next week with the original job description and the position will for an executive assistant that oversees HR and Payroll along with assisting the County Board and being a support to the Officeholders. The person who is hired will have two people reporting to him/her. Mr. Obert asked how long they should advertise for. Mr. Snider suggested two weeks and the committee agreed and have the resumes come to the attention of Matt Obert.

Mr. Obert stated that last time the job was posted they ranged it from $40-45 thousand and believed they should do that again. The committee agreed. Mr. Niekamp stated that on the original job posting, the salary was not listed. The committee thought they should leave the salary off the posting so they can get as many qualified candidates as possible with the potential to negotiate based off of experience and education.

Mr. Obert stated that after the two-week period, the committee will review the resumes and decide who they want to interview and then eventually take Infront of the whole board. Mr. Obert asked if the committee wanted to bring office holders into the process. He then read Mr. Post’s e-mail and stated that Mr. Post stated that one of the big factors we need is someone with a strong budgetary background as the position instrumentally assisted in the budget process. Mr. Obert stated that originally, they wanted a candidate with a strong HR background because that is what the county needed at that time. Mr. Snider and Mr. Reich both agreed that now someone with a strong financial background might be of interest. Mr. Obert stated that Mr. Post said it is hard to figure out which officeholders we would include, or not include as we cannot include all of them. Mr. Reich agreed, and stated you cannot pick and choose which ones you ask to help with this process. Mr. Obert agreed and stated that ultimately, this is a county board position.

Mr. Obert asked the committee what they thought of a timeline. The committee agreed that it would take some time and Mr. Reich stated that we are not into budget time so there is some time to do an adequate search. Mr. Snider stated that they have two good girls in the office that are doing a good job keeping the office going. Mr. Obert stated that if we give it two-three weeks and post in the right places, that should be enough; however, we will not be any different than anybody else in our community that we may not find someone right away.

Mr. Obert reviewed the agenda one last time to ensure that they covered everything on it. He stated that they will post a job opening for an executive assistant. They the job description is good except this time they will have a bit more emphasis in financial background. The degree requirement would be a “preferred requirement” so no qualified individual is excluded from qualifying who might be a good candidate.

Mr. Obert stated that they would reconvene in about three weeks to review the resumes. Chairman Obert adjourned the meeting at 6:08pm.

https://www.co.adams.il.us/home/showpublisheddocument/5833/637581318830015044