York County government Human Resources Director Linda Corliss has an additional set of duties following her appointment Wednesday as part-time Deputy County Manager.. Corliss has worked for the county for five years. TAMMY WELLS/Journal Tribune
ALFRED – York County Human Resources director Linda Corliss has been named Deputy Manager of York County government.
The appointment is a part-time gig in additional to her duties in human resources. County Manager Greg Zinser said he interviewed several department heads for the job and chose Corliss from among them.
York County Commissioners approved the appointment on Wednesday in a 3 to 2 vote, with commissioners Al Sicard and Robert Andrews dissenting.
Sicard said he thought the position itself needed more scrutiny.
“I saw a job description… it’s pretty substantial stuff,” said Sicard, in part. “It appears to me, lets build on need and create a real position if a deputy manager is warranted.”
Sicard noted the position didn’t go through the Human Resources process and while the issue of the need for a part-time deputy first surfaced about 18 months ago, Sicard pointed out he and Andrews took office just seven months ago. He said seeing the matter on the agenda was a surprise.
“I want to start at the beginning, start with the need, and why you feel this is justified,” Sicard said.
“I don’t think the county needs to create a whole new position; it is a set of duties that can be tacked on with an appropriate department head handling those,” said Zinser.
Zinser noted the position is a part-time appointment.
“I can’t be everywhere,” he said. “So it benefits us to have someone of certain competence out there on our behalf. I need that person to be a trusted advisor.”
Zinser told commissioners the deputy manager would be out in the community, taking part in various initiatives across York County, and attending legislative hearings and other meetings when he is unable to do so.
He said Corliss has the respect of the county department heads, and is “someone who understands the nuances of managing the public sector.”
Zinser said the deputy manager would also coordinate the work at the seat of government when he is away – something he said isn’t happening at present.
Commissioner Richard Clark said he was concerned about the money involved.
Sicard wondered if Zinser would be asking for a full-time deputy in a couple of years.
“We’re not there yet,” said Zinser.
“Linda is pretty busy now,” said Clark. “Are we going to ask someone to back her up?”
Corliss said she’s been working to ensure her human resources staff can step in, if need be.
“I’ve seen this work,” said Commission Chairman Richard Dutremble of the part-time appointment.
“There’s definitely a gap here,” said Commissioner Michael Cote. “It makes sense to have a second (person) here. I think this is a good way to do it, and later if we decide it needs to be full-time, we can go down that road. I think it’s reasonable, and Linda has already proven herself.”
“You, as a board, are not following your own policies, in my opinion,” said Donna Ring, a county employee who said she was speaking about the county’s hiring process as a Sanford resident, during the public comment period.
Zinser on Thursday reiterated the deputy manager position is an appointment, not a new hire.
“The candidate is fabulous and I have no problem with that, but she also serves as the human resources director and I fear the rapport with employees will be in jeopardy, “ said Maine State Employees Association Local 1297 President Rachel Sherman. The MSEA represents the county’s clerical and maintenance workers.
“I hope (employees) see over time it’s not going to be an issue,” said Corliss on Thursday.
Commissioners asked if the $15,000 stipend was budgeted and Zinser replied in the affirmative.
Corliss earns about $82,000 as Human Resources Director, he estimated on Thursday.
The position carries a lengthy list of duties, from representing the county with various organizations to preparing information items for commissioner’s meeting packets, presenting policy recommendations, assisting the county manager in resolving problems and conflicts, interpreting policies, and providing staff direction, among others.
Corliss on Thursday said she is excited about her new additional role and its possibilities. While there is a plethora of responsibilities, she said the most appealing to her is getting out into the county and working with various groups.
“The role as described to me, involves going out and doing the collaboration with the community,” said Corliss. “I think collaboratively we can do more together, particularly with the smaller towns and some of the community organizations; that is what appealed to me the most. I do enjoy human resources but this is something that really did intrigue me.”
Corliss said she has been involved in some community work already, behind the scenes, volunteering at a number of events and noted for many organizations, there just aren’t enough volunteers to accomplish what needs to be done.
Corliss has been the county’s Human Resources Director for more than five years.
“If I didn’t have such a good staff, I may not have been as comfortable,” in taking on the additional role, she said.
“This is a new venue for me and I really am excited about it,” Corliss said.
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 780-9016 or twells@journaltribune.com.
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