AUBURN - Cayuga County legislators received an education in how to search for potential county manager candidates Wednesday, compliments of Yates County Administrator Sarah Purdy.
Purdy, who is also president of the New York State Association of County Administrators and Managers, was invited to speak at the first meeting of the Legislature's Qualifications Committee.
“We just want to make sure that we have a good process going in so that we have a good result coming out,” said David Pappert, R-Auburn.
The committee, which is comprised of the Ways and Means Committee, Legislature chairman and minority and majority leaders, will be involved in the ins and outs of the selection of Cayuga County's first manager. The Legislature approved the creation of the position at its February meeting.
Purdy advised the legislators on a number of topics, from how salary and negotiations should be handled to where the manager's office will be located.
Those in attendance agreed that initially the county will add no new secretarial staff to the sixth floor of the county office building, though some job duties will probably change. The manager will likely take over the
current chairman's office, and the chairman will be moved to an office alongside the clerk of the Legislature.
Purdy said the $80,000 to $100,000 salary range supported by most legislators will attract a good, experienced pool of candidates. The Legislature plans to vote on approving the salary and a resolution authorizing Civil Service to advertise for the position.
Qualifications Committee Chairman Paul Dudley, R-Cato, predicted that advertising will begin in early April.
Advertisements will be published in various county manager and administrator newsletters, on the county's Web site and in the local papers, Dudley said.
When asked whether the Legislature's July 1 target date for having a manager in place is attainable, Purdy was optimistic.
“It's going to be a little aggressive,” she said, “but I think you can pull it off.”
The committee agreed not to hire an outside recruitment firm but to instead use the county's own resources. Civil Service will be involved in portions of the process, and a subcommittee of the Qualifications Committee will read through candidates' applications.
Purdy estimated Cayuga County could receive between 35 and 50 applications for the manager position.
“Don't overlook one of the main things you've got going for you, and that is your location,” Purdy added. “You've really got quite a nice hook.”
Staff writer Linda Ober can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 237 or linda.ober@lee.net
“We just want to make sure that we have a good process going in so that we have a good result coming out,” said David Pappert, R-Auburn.
The committee, which is comprised of the Ways and Means Committee, Legislature chairman and minority and majority leaders, will be involved in the ins and outs of the selection of Cayuga County's first manager. The Legislature approved the creation of the position at its February meeting.
Purdy advised the legislators on a number of topics, from how salary and negotiations should be handled to where the manager's office will be located.
Those in attendance agreed that initially the county will add no new secretarial staff to the sixth floor of the county office building, though some job duties will probably change. The manager will likely take over the
current chairman's office, and the chairman will be moved to an office alongside the clerk of the Legislature.
Purdy said the $80,000 to $100,000 salary range supported by most legislators will attract a good, experienced pool of candidates. The Legislature plans to vote on approving the salary and a resolution authorizing Civil Service to advertise for the position.
Qualifications Committee Chairman Paul Dudley, R-Cato, predicted that advertising will begin in early April.
Advertisements will be published in various county manager and administrator newsletters, on the county's Web site and in the local papers, Dudley said.
When asked whether the Legislature's July 1 target date for having a manager in place is attainable, Purdy was optimistic.
“It's going to be a little aggressive,” she said, “but I think you can pull it off.”
The committee agreed not to hire an outside recruitment firm but to instead use the county's own resources. Civil Service will be involved in portions of the process, and a subcommittee of the Qualifications Committee will read through candidates' applications.
Purdy estimated Cayuga County could receive between 35 and 50 applications for the manager position.
“Don't overlook one of the main things you've got going for you, and that is your location,” Purdy added. “You've really got quite a nice hook.”
Staff writer Linda Ober can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 237 or linda.ober@lee.net
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