Alpena County debating hiring a county administrator
ALPENA, Mich. — Alpena County Commissioners are deciding whether or not to hire a county administrator for the first time in over ten years.
The county’s executive manager, Tammy Bates, is leaving her position at the end of August; this forced the commissioners to begin planning for a replacement.
With budget struggles and financial issues, commissioners are exploring the idea of hiring a county administrator to take the reigns.
“The number one goal here is to bring in someone that has expertise in county budgeting,” said County Commissioner Marty Thomson. “We lack that strategic financial direction right now. We’re scattered at responsibilities- scattered out amongst commissioners.”
The county had an administrator in the early 2000’s prior to choosing to operate the way they do now. Hiring an administrator would bring a little extra cost to the county, since they would have more responsibilities than the current executive manager.
“I can’t really speak for the other commissioners,” Thomson said. “I think most of the commissioners think it’s time for a change. If we have to spend $20-30,000 in salary, that person will make it up if we have one person with a general oversight of things.”
