HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The Hill County Commissioner’s are continuing to search for a replacement for County Attorney Karen Alley, who is leaving her position on October 24th for a job with the Montana Association of Counties (MACo).
Vice-Chair Mark Peterson says that to his knowledge, there have been no applicants for the role. Peterson says if they are unable to find a worthy candidate over the next few weeks, they will have to fill the job with a temporary appointment.
“We are trying to fill that position,” Peterson says. “If we continue not to get applications for that position, we’ll try and find someone that can fill that position for a short period of time until we can get somebody to apply and stand the test of an interview. We’ll just go from there. It’s really an unknown as of right now.”
The position of County Attorney is an elected office, and will next be on the ballot in 2022. The Commission has said it is their expectation that whoever is appointed to the role will run to remain in the position.
Fair Board
The Great Northern Fair Board has lacked a quorum ever since two of its voting members departed back in July, and it seems like the Commission is in no hurry to fill the vacancies.
“The process is still open for people to apply,” Commission Chair Diane McLean said Thursday.
The two voting members of the Board are Michelle Burchard and Bob Kaul. There are currently five openings, two of which must be filled for a quorum to be established at meetings.
One person who applied to fill a vacancy said they were interviewed by the Commission over a month ago, but have yet to hear back.
Fair Manager Frank English says he’s spoken with several people who have applied, and they have also yet to hear back from the Commission.
Until a quorum is able to be reached at meetings, the Board can not vote on any agenda items. Any major decisions, including approval of the budget and all purchases of over $500, must go through the County Commission.
