Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
COLFAX –– Whitman County commissioners discussed and delayed the decision on when to advertise for its open health director position.
Monday, deciding to take up the matter in a future workshop session.
Board president Michael Largent suggested on Monday they start the hiring process in March or April next year, while interim health director Chris Skidmore does the job. He was appointed following the resignation of Troy Henderson.
Commissioner Art Swannack questioned it.
“We’re making ourselves shorter-staffed, since we’re already down one employee without Troy,” he said. “I honestly don’t know what (Skidmore’s) qualifications may be to be the director. Interim, in my mind, was more in the short-term.”
He continued, noting a key concern.
“For conversations between him and the state, we want them be respected as Troy was,” said Swannack.
Commissioner Dean Kinzer asked when would be the optimum timing.
Lance Bishop, county I.T. director, suggested it may be better go ahead and list the job sooner than later.
“If Dr. Fauci applies for that job next week, there you go,” Bishop said. “There’s no harm in listing the opening now.”
Largent confirmed that he meant to begin the process in March or April, not hire someone by then.
“I just want to see how he does,” Largent said of Skidmore.
Kelli Campbell, Whitman County Human Resources director, agreed.
Commissioner Kinzer mentioned another factor.
“With Pfizer announcing a vaccine that’s 90 percent effective, and local health departments to decide who gets it and when, it could turn into a pretty healthy job after the first of the year,” Kinzer said.
“Changing horses in midstream may be problematic,” said Largent.
“You want to have the most qualified horse to run the race,” Swannack said. “We’ll still have Chris (Skidmore) on staff, we’re not getting rid of him, are we?”
No was the answer.
Kinzer suggested they update the job description and schedule a workshop for commissioners to discuss it.
“The fight club on the timing will be announced later,” said Largent.
Henderson left for a position with the U.S. Department of Defense in Germany.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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