County considers next steps with ‘board-administrator’ government

Cook County might continue operating under the current form of government using the ‘board-administrator’ model, though an outside consulting firm will likely advise the county board on the right direction moving forward.
 
This was the direction the Cook County Board of Commissioners took action on during a special meeting of the board this morning at the courthouse.

The crossroads to continue with administrative government or opt for a new means of doing business presented itself following the resignation of current County Administrator Jeff Cadwell. According to the county’s website, the administration department serves as the central management office of county government. It is the responsibility of the administration department, under the direction of the county administrator, to assure that all county board policies are implemented and to coordinate overall operations of the county. 

In Cook County, this administrative form of government means voters elect commissioners to serve in four-year terms, and the board in turn appoints an administrator to oversee the operation of the government. The administrator serves at the directive of the commissioners and can be terminated by the county board.

Cadwell submitted his letter of resignation to the county Sept. 10. His resignation was officially accepted by the county board during the special meeting this morning.

The county board, with Cadwell’s support, will make contact with multiple public administration consulting firms in Minnesota to assist with the next steps moving forward.   

Board Chair Ginny Storlie specifically asked the commissioners if they wanted to continue with the ‘board-administrator’ form of government. 

Commissioner Dave Mills said the consulting firm that the county hires will likely advise the county on various options with regard to government operations, including either a managerial or administrative form. In addition, Mills and others on the county board said they would like to hear from department heads at the county to hear their thoughts on moving forward.

Discussion on this topic will continue at the next meeting of the county board on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Storlie noted that time is “moving fast” with regard to the next steps in the process to either hire a new administrator or change direction in how local government operates.

To watch the brief discussion that took place during the special meeting Sept. 17, click here.