Administrator Declines Offer—County Still Searching for Leader

by Trinity Gruenberg

trinity@inhnews.com

The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 6. Commissioner Jon Kangas was absent.

Westrum to Head Human Resources

Jennifer Westrum, interim administrator, proposed a strategic solution to streamline the county’s human resources structure. Each option presented a different approach to managing the workforce needs.

The first option was comprehensive: hiring a dedicated HR director supported by two specialists. This approach would provide robust HR coverage but would cost $130,000.

The second option proposed a leaner structure: a county administrator working alongside an HR director and a single specialist who would also handle payroll. This option trimmed costs to $85,878, offering a more streamlined approach.

The final option was the most economical and unconventional. It would keep Westrum in her current role as Health and Human Services Director, reporting directly to the county board, with two HR specialists supporting her. This approach would cost only $22,221, significantly less than the other scenarios.

After discussion, the county board agreed to a unique approach: Westrum would continue as HR director, reporting directly to the board while maintaining her current responsibilities. This plan eliminated the need to hire a full-time HR director, saving the county significant money....

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