Riley County commissioners on Monday approved a resolution to appoint an interim county appraiser.
Assistant County Appraiser Danny Williams will serve in the interim role until a permanent candidate is hired.
The position was left vacant after the passing of Greg McHenry last month. State statute requires the commission appoint an interim in the position since it is an elected position.
“That can be for a period of up to six months. Standards are very different. The fact is state law does require this. The appointee has to be somewhat approved in advance by the department of evaluation division and the department of revenue. That has been done,” said Riley County Counselor Clancy Holeman.
Human Resources Manager Elizabeth Ward says they have four candidates ready for interviews and would like to find someone internally.
Riley County will be looking for a new director to lead its historical museum.
Current director Allana Parker has submitted her resignation, but agreed to stay on until a permanent successor is hired. With the candidacy opened both internally and externally, commissioners showed some concern with the job description focusing on expertise of Riley County history, feeling it may limit some outside candidates from applying.
“I also think you have to take into consideration that there is an administrative and personnel responsibility incorporated with this, so you can’t downplay that. An external candidate can learn Riley County history,” said commissioner John Ford Monday.
Parker appeared on KMAN’s In Focus Monday and says resigning was one of the most difficult decisions she has had to make.
“I’m so thankful to Cheryl Collins, director for over 40 years of the museum and she always has been and will be my role model and inspiration. I have a new baby at home and sometimes you have to take a pause and rethink your priorities and where you want your time to go,” she said.
Collins died in September and Parker was elevated to the role of director in October by the county commission.
