Search for new Garfield County manager begins in-house
Garfield County commissioners could announce their choice for finalists to become the new county manager from a pool of internal candidates as soon as next week.
If no satisfactory candidates emerge from that initial round of in-house applicants, a national search will begin, commissioners were advised at their regular meeting Monday.
The county is looking to replace longtime County Manager Kevin Batchelder, who announced in June that he would be retiring, effective Sept. 16.
The position has been open to internal applicants for two weeks and will close Friday, said Diane Hayes, human resources director for the county.
Commissioners said they plan to review applications and could be ready to announce a finalist or finalists for Batchelder’s replacement at their Aug. 8 meeting.
Formal interviews would follow, after which the commissioners could make an offer or begin a national search.
Monday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting also was the last for another top government official, County Attorney Tari Williams.
Williams accepted a position as senior legal counsel for the North County Transit District in San Diego County, California.
Commissioners will be entering a search to fill that position, also starting with an in-house query. For the interim, Assistant County Attorney Jan Shute has been appointed to serve as acting county attorney.
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
Readers around Glenwood Springs and Garfield County make the Post Independent’s work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.