Spencer, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — How involved should Spencer City Council members be in hiring department heads? The city has gone back to the drawing board for the third time in trying to find a Finance Director.  City Manager Kevin Robinson suggests this time around he, Human Resources Director Jessica Wright, Acting Finance Director Theressa Rothschaefer, and the job recruiter select a candidate to present for council approval.

During a workshop session, Councilman Brian Balk suggested at least two councilmembers and possibly the mayor sit in on the interviews – even if they just observe.

Councilmembers Ron Hanson and David Lyons agreed council members should be involved to some extent. But Tom Nelson, Donavan Wunschel, and Tracey Larson agreed with Loren Reit – who are comfortable leaving it to the professionals.

 

The timeline is for the recruiter to screen candidates in early September; for Robinson, Wright, and Rothschaefer to narrow the list for preliminary interviews in mid-September; with final, in-person interviews in early October.