Public invited to weigh in on new county manager
Cleveland County residents are being invited to weigh in on the selection of a new leader.
Earlier this year Brian Epley, former county manager, left his role when he accepted a position in Burke County and a month later Todd Carpenter, who had recently retired from Gaston County, stepped in as interim manager.
Since then, the county has been on the hunt for a permanent replacement.
The recruiting firm, Ralph Andersen & Associates, recently created a survey which was released Monday, and county commissioners are seeking public input as they go through the hiring process.
Commissioners said the results of the survey will be considered when interviewing potential candidates.
The survey, which is anonymous, has a total of 10 questions.
Questions include basic background information and then includes more in-depth topics such as the top five local issues the new manager should focus on with options that include homelessness, jobs, the economy, roads and more; what the top personal attributes are needed in a manager; career experience; top three issues Cleveland County faces and the option to include a potential interview question.
The survey is open until April 15.
The survey can be found on the county’s website at clevelandcounty.com under the News Center.
County Assistant Manager Kerri Melton said she doesn't currently know how many candidates have applied but that interest has met or exceeded expectations.
Melton said they will be reviewing the first candidates April 3 but will continue to accept resumes after that date until interviews are scheduled.
According to the job listing, the at-will position will serve as administrative head of the county government to direct and supervise the administration of the 28 operational departments and 800 full-time employees in the county under the direction of the board of commissioners. The general fund budget for the county is approximately $125 million.
Per the listing, the county manager will have a minimum of 10 years experience in government management, policy and procedure and a thorough knowledge of state law.
The listing describes it as an extraordinary career opportunity to join one of the most charming and beautiful counties in North Carolina.
"Cleveland County is conducting a national search for an experienced, highly skilled servant leader with a "can do" spirit, eager to contribute their creative and insightful experience to help shape the future of this very well-run, unique, and special county as the next county manager," the listing states.
Once the applications are closed, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited on-site for an interview.
The salary is not listed, but upon his departure, Epley was making $207,439 annually.
This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Public invited to weigh in on new county manager
