Commissioners repeal policy requiring approval to fill every staff vacancy

Ouray County commissioners will no longer review renewing individual staff positions every time there is a vacancy, after hearing concerns that it was a burden on staff and raised questions from the public and press about resignations and terminations. Commissioners created the austerity policy a year ago amid growing budget concerns before Antonio Mendez was hired as county manager. Mendez requested the commissioners repeal the policy Tuesday, arguing that it is a burden on staff and delays the hiring process. He said he understood the need for the resolution when it was passed, but now that the county has a new manager, finance director and human resources director, the administration is capable of making these decisions. “I really do think that is part of the administrative function,” Mendez said.

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