2018-01-30 Update with RiskUpdate with Risk
January 30, 2018
4:05 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper, Paulette Young (by
phone), Archie Smith (4:07 p.m.), Daleyn Coleman (4:07 p.m.)
Guest(s): Justyna Tomtas
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Commissioner Fund and Paulette Young discussed Paulette’s plans to tender her resignation, with her
last working day as Feb. 28.
Archie Smith and Daleyn Coleman joined at 4:07 p.m.
Paulette said she might consider a half-time position or a personal services agreement. Paulette said she
didn’t know if she would be able to travel to Lewis County on a monthly basis.
Paulette said her understanding is that the commissioners don’t plan to fill key positions until after the
county manager is hired. The commissioners said that is their plan.
Paulette said Tawni Shepherd could help keep the Risk department afloat in the interim.
Commissioner Stamper asked if there is anyone in the Risk Pool who would be able to serve as a Band-
Aid. Paulette said Cowlitz County also will be losing its Risk manager.
Paulette said she handles complaints, tort claims, lawsuits, insurance procurement and insurance claims,
among other things.
Commissioner Jackson said the county should start looking for Paulette’s successor while also looking
for a county manager instead of waiting until after a county manager is hired.
Archie said the position could be advertised internally and externally. Paulette said she has been
contacted by several individuals locally who have indicated they would be interested in the position.
Commissioner Jackson asked if Paulette could be the back-up or be available to train her successor.
Archie said it would take up to three months to fill the position even if a recruiting firm is not used. He
said worst-case scenario would be 4.5 months or so.
Commissioner Fund weighed the merits of waiting until after the county manager is hired.
Paulette reiterated that Tawni Shepherd could fill in during the interim but that it wouldn’t be fair to her
if it were to take too long.
Commissioner Stamper said he fears that the county shouldn’t wait until after the county manager
position is filled to search for Paulette’s successor.
Paulette said another option done elsewhere is to combine Risk and HR. She asked if Central Services
can be considered.
Archie said the board could say “open until filled” instead of setting a close date for applications.
Paulette suggested opening it up to see what kinds of candidates the county may get before she leaves.
Archie said he and Daleyn will work on the job description, have Paulette review it and then post the
position.
Meeting adjourned at 4:48 p.m.