Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners held a special session on December 12, 2024, to discuss and potentially select a new County Administrator. The meeting involved a structured interview process for candidates, with significant engagement from current Commissioners and incoming Commissioners-Elect. Ultimately, the board unanimously decided to tentatively offer the position to James Dyer.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during the public comment time allocated for the agenda.
Action on County Administrator Candidates
The main focus of the meeting was the interview of two candidates for the County Administrator position, Mark Brown and James Dyer. Each candidate was given time for opening statements followed by questions from the Commissioners and Commissioners-Elect.
- Following the interviews, a voting process ensued where all six current Board members unanimously selected James Dyer as their top candidate, while the Commissioners-Elect split their preferences evenly.
- A motion was made by Commissioner Rexroat to offer Dyer the position tentatively and authorize Chairman Wessell and Vice-Chairman Rexroat to negotiate a proposed employment agreement. The motion was seconded by Commissioner O’Rourke and passed with a 6-0 vote.
Other Business
The meeting also included logistical discussions regarding the seating arrangements for the Commissioners and Commissioners-Elect during the interview process, highlighting a divide in opinions about how to integrate the incoming Commissioners into the current board's processes.
Action Items
- Instructed Chairman Wessell and Vice-Chairman Rexroat to negotiate a proposed employment agreement for James Dyer following the tentative offer.
- Continue engagement with the Commissioners-Elect to ensure their input is included in future discussions and transitions.
- Address any future concerns from Commissioner Lautner regarding public participation in the seating arrangements during board meetings.