Interim Clark County Manager Kathleen Otto could soon have the job permanently.
When asked about the future of the county manager position last week, a majority of the Clark County Council expressed a desire to retain Otto in her current position, and her performance was unanimously lauded. Her contract for the interim position expires May 31.
Otto’s previous positions with the county include deputy county manager, director of internal resources and director of human resources.
She started the interim job on March 13 following the resignation of Shawn Henessee. That day, the council also approved its first declaration of emergency in response to COVID-19.
Councilors pointed to Otto’s handling of the local COVID-19 outbreak, knowledge of county government and ability to communicate with the council.
“At this point, I’m under the impression that no one is unhappy with Kathleen’s performance, and she’s been doing a phenomenal job,” Councilor Temple Lentz said. “If the decision were this week, I would say absolutely (to hiring Otto on a permanent basis).”
Lentz, a Democrat, was not alone. Councilor Gary Medvigy and Chair Eileen Quiring O’Brien, both Republicans, also endorsed the idea.
“The council has not yet discussed this topic, but when we do, I’m inclined to think we may opt to declare our search for another manager unnecessary,” Quiring O’Brien said. “We currently have the best person right now — why ruin a good thing?”
When asked in September about her interest in a permanent role, Otto said her “current plan is to serve in a capacity that can continue to provide public service.”
“What will that look like in May — I don’t know,” Otto said. “I can tell you I didn’t see myself being in this position when I came back to the county four years ago, but I’m humbly excited for the opportunity and looking forward to working with the team here at the county and supporting their efforts to provide the service the residents deserve.”
The county charter, approved by voters in 2014, created the county manager position. Managers are appointed by a council majority and oversee daily functions of county government, leaving policy decisions to councilors.
Since the charter became law, though, several temporary and permanent appointees have filled the position.
The council accepted Henessee’s resignation in an executive session, which is off limits to the public. He received a full severance package, including six months of pay and health insurance benefits, as outlined in his contract, which indicated that the council asked him to step down.
No official reason was given. But before his departure, Henessee interviewed for a job in Missouri, prompting mixed reviews from councilors.
“I’m not sure that we needed to move through the last manager as fast as we did, and that was a function of the council, not the manager,” Medvigy said. “I thought everyone was happy with that manager until they weren’t.”
Councilor Julie Olson didn’t express a specific position on Otto’s future but said “she’s been doing a fantastic job.” While not speaking about anyone in particular, she said that certain executive skills can give future managers more staying power.
“It’s a highly visible position, and you report to an executive body. Not everyone is a good fit for that,” Olson said. “We maybe have to pay more, so we’ll indeed have to have that conversation.”
