On March 17th a special council meeting was held at the Community Center to interview potential applicants for the job of Deputy Clerk of Wanamingo. After 9 years, Karen Masters has decided to step down, and although she will be missed, we all wish her the best in her retirement.
A Deputy Clerk has varied duties to perform, and it is an interesting job with varied positions. Everything from doing the payroll for city employees, to doing monthly and quarterly taxes, to taking care of pet licenses and utility bills. A solid knowledge of computer programs for running a city, and the rules and regulations that go along with that responsibility are high up on the roster of duties, but there are other issues to deal with as well. The ability to stay positive and focused on the job at hand while dealing with issues the townspeople bring to the office is a key skill. Being open and attentive to the problems brought to the attention of the city and handling them calmly and diplomatically are skills that are learned, not taught. The person chosen is the one the Council feels most able to incorporate all these tasks, and more.
The meeting was attended by Mayor Ryan Holmes. Michael Boulton, Erick Dierks, Rebecca Haugen, Jeremiah Flotterud, and Brad Kennedy from Public Works. Three candidates were interviewed, and they all did a great job explaining why they want the job, and what their qualifications are. Each answered a set of questions while the council took notes. The applicants were able to ask questions about the job, and I felt everyone had a pretty good feel for what the needs of each candidate were. I left the meeting after the interviews concluded, glad I didn't have to decide between the three women who applied!
Since Karen will be leaving her position by the end of April at the latest and will spend time working with the new Deputy Clerk to make a smooth transition, time is of the essence to find her a replacement so the one chosen can give notice at their current job. The counsel deliberated after the candidates left, and they chose Laurie Musselman to be the new Deputy Clerk. As she has accepted the offer and makes her transition in her new vocation, please give a warm Wanamingo welcome to her as she navigates all the responsibilities she has been given. We look forward to getting to know her!
