Hopefuls eyed for EMA chief (12/15/03)

After interviewing finalists this morning, Jay County Commissioners could select the new director of the county’s emergency management agency by this afternoon.

Commissioners Mike Leonhard, Gary Theurer and Milo Miller Jr. discussed the opening with six applicants during a closed-door executive session this morning from 8:30 to 10 a.m.

Late this morning, Miller said he was not sure when a decision would be made, but that it could come as early as today.

The job of EMA director opened up in late November when former director Tami Mann resigned to take a job in the private sector.

There were a total of 24 applicants for the job, which has a starting annual pay of $23,600.

Jim Bruner, the chief of Jay County Rescue 19, a volunteer rescue service under the guidance of the county EMA, is currently serving as a volunteer interim director for the department.

Also this morning, the commissioners began reviewing resumes for the position of superintendent of the county highway department. Current superintendent Robert Sours announced his resignation last week. Sours, a former Portland police officer, will become the city’s new police chief Jan. 1. Sours has served as highway superintendent since late 1997.

A total of four resumes have been received for highway superintendent. The deadline to apply for the job is Monday, Dec. 29.

Jay County engineer Dan Watson will serve as interim superintendent after Sours’ departure.[[In-content Ad]]