Lee Pulaski, lpulaski@shawanoleader.com
The Shawano County Board voted 20-4 Wednesday to restore the county’s administrative coordinator position to full time.
The position had been full time until 2012, when Frank Pascarella left to become county administrator in Chippewa County. Tom Madsen was hired part-time in the interim, and when the time came for a permanent coordinator in June 2012, the board retained Madsen in a part-time role.
The resolution approved Wednesday allows the Administrative Committee to conduct a search for a new coordinator. No timetable has been set for when a coordinator would be hired.
A full-time coordinator could cost an estimated $120,180, according to Finance Director Diane Rusch, who based the estimate on what Pascarella was paid.
Madsen, who receives $56,897 annually in salary and benefits, said he was considering applying for the job.
Madsen has previously stated that he works more than 40 hours some weeks despite being contracted for 25 hours per week. Currently, he is working with county employees and consultants on major projects such as a new wage study and merging the Social Services and Community Programs departments.
Supervisor Rick Giese, who voted against the resolution, said it was unwise to spend the money on a full-time coordinator.
“We’re getting top-heavy in admin when we’ve still got people that are stuck on probation (pay),” Giese said.
Supervisor Randy Young questioned why it was necessary for the committee to oversee every aspect of the search, noting a separate ad hoc committee was formed in 2008 when the board hired Pascarella.
The resolution was unanimously endorsed by the Administrative Committee just prior to the County Board meeting.
The position requires a bachelor’s degree in business management, public administration, government, finance, economics, accounting or investment. Seven years of experience in administration or management is required, and the county would prefer the coordinator live in Shawano County.