Despite some questions over the inclusion of human resources consultant Mike Gibson, Wadena County commissioners unanimously approved the assistant highway engineer's recommendation to have the transportation committee, a state aid engineer and the county's auditor/treasurer interview applicants for the highway engineer position.
Assistant Engineer Jeff Adolphson said that he, County Board Chairman Bill Stearns, Commissioner Dave Schermerhorn and Gibson form the transportation committee.
Commissioner Rodney Bounds asked how Gibson fits into the equation.
Stearns said Gibson is the county's human resources consultant.
Bounds asked when Gibson's contract was extended. Gibson was hired in 2008 to study the county's needs for a coordinator/human resources position.
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Stearns said he does not have a contract with the county.
Bounds asked why the county would utilize him without a contract.
It's on an as-needed basis, Stearns replied.
Bounds asked if this
situation qualified as "as-needed."
Hiring is a human resources responsibility, Stearns said.
"So I would guess that's 'as-needed,'" he added.
Adolphson said it was just his suggestion to have the transportation committee involved in the interview process. He reminded commissioners the county's contract with Todd County for engineer services ends March 12.
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The board agreed to include all the people Adolphson requested in the interview process.
The county received nine applications for the position Joel Ulring vacated in
October.
