PRESS RELEASE
 
Contact Person:         Monty Pagenhardt, County Administrator
 
Date:                          January 13, 2015
 
As previously announced, Michael Koch has presented County Administrator Monty Pagenhardt with his resignation as the Director of the Department of Community Planning and Development effective March 31.  In light of this, the Board of County Commissioners approved a recommendation to reorganize the Department of Community Planning and Development whereby the offices of Economic Development, Planning and Land Management, and Permits and Inspection Services will now be designated as separate departments.   The Directors of these distinct departments will report to the County Administrator.
 
The Board had also previously announced its search for a new Economic Development Director.  An appointment committee comprised of representatives from a number of community organizations to include Garrett College, Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, Garrett County Mayors Association, Greater Oakland and Grantsville Business Associations, and others have been nominated.  The interview and appointment process will be facilitated by Mr. Pagenhardt and Mr. Koch will assist and also serve on the appointment committee.  Plans are for this committee to screen applicants, conduct initial interviews, and present a recommendation of candidates for appointment as director of the Department of Economic Development to the Board the week of February 23.   Plans are to have a new director in place on March 23.
 
The Board had also announced that based on Mr. Pagenhardt’s decision to retire as county administrator when his employment agreement ends in June, a separate position classification for the Director of the Office of Human Resources has been approved by the Board.  Mr. Pagenhardt has served as both County Administrator and Director of Human Resources since 1995.   This newly created director position will report to the County Administrator.  Plans are to begin the application and interview process for this position the week of February 16, a recommendation of appointment will be presented to the Board the week of March 30, and the director in place on April 20. 
 
Plans for appointment of a County Administrator will commence with the position announcement to be published the week of March 9.   An interview committee comprised of representatives from a number of community organizations will be nominated to assist in the applicant screening and initial interview process with interviews to be scheduled for the week of April 20.   Interviews with the Board are planned to take place the week of May 4, a final decision of appointment to take place the week of May 11, and an announcement of the selected candidate to be presented at the Board’s May 19 public meeting.   The appointed county administrator will begin employment on June 15 with Mr. Pagenhardt assisting with the transition through June 30.
 
Questions on these issues should be addressed to Mr. Pagenhardt.