The new County Board of Commissioners took a bold step at their second meeting today to repeal the County Administrator Ordinance which was created in 2017. Clark Schroeder, who started with the County in the summer of 2018, entered a separation agreement with the County Commissioners Wednesday morning.
“This is only my second meeting, so clearly this is not about personalities, rather I feel an obligation to the voters who decided years ago we would not have a County Administrator”, noted Commissioner Christopher Paasch, who was sworn into office on Monday and then voted in as Chair of the Board.
“This comes down to the fact that we are not a home rule County. It was voted down on by the residents twice. They clearly said they did not want an Administrator. Somehow the past Board took it upon themselves to override the public opinion and Vote of their constituents and created the position anyway. I just want to honor what the people voted for.”
Current Commissioner Court Boice reports, “we had a system that worked well. We had a Director of Administration position that oversaw day-to-day duties but did not take all the authority away from the Commissioners the people voted in to do a job. I have spoken with past Director of Administration Schmelzer, and she is willing to come back to her old job – a job the voters supported.”
Boice was referring to Julie Schmelzer, who served as the Director of Administration and Economic Development from October of 2014 to May of 2016. Schmelzer moved to Josephine County noting a salary increase and a ‘freedom to help improve the community’. “I love Josephine County, and I have done some amazing things here, but my heart belongs to Curry County. I’m anxious to come home and finish what I started”, said Schmelzer. “I have some projects I will need to complete in Josephine, but will work full time for Curry.” Schmelzer has worked in County government in two states since 1986, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban and Regional Affairs, and a Masters in Public Administration.
For questions contact Curry County Board Chair, Christopher Paasch at (541) 247-3213 or email paaschc@co.curry.or.us