The next city auditor for Wadsworth could be decided in the next two weeks, but it will take much longer to find an economic development director for Norton.
The vacancies for both positions opened when John Moss died Sept. 13 in a motorcycle accident near Cincinnati, where he was attending work-related seminars.
Moss, 53, was employed full time by Norton since 2006 and was recently appointed to the economic development job. He was Norton’s former finance director, and also served as the assistant finance director when he moved over to become economic development director four months ago.
He worked part time as the auditor for Wadsworth. He was recently elected to serve another four-year term, which started in January. It was a position he held since 1996.
The new auditor will have to run again in November 2013.
Wadsworth Mayor Robin Laubaugh has started the interview process and will make a recommendation to the Republican Central Committee, which makes the final selection because Moss was a Republican.
“We have not had a great deal of inquiries because it’s a part-time position, and that has probably reduced the number of individuals who have interest,” the mayor said. “But we have had interest and have had some interviews and have some very qualified candidates.”
She said a financial background is needed for the auditor’s position.
“It would be wonderful if the person has more than just auditing experience,” she said. “Tax experience is good since the auditor has supervision over our tax division. That department also requires payroll experience and experience in purchase and receivables.”
Laubaugh said the person would have to be flexible, because the city needs someone available during daytime hours.
“The law in all vacancies is to make an appointment, pending the appointment by a party central committee,” said Norman Brague, the city law director and member of the Republican Central Committee. “In other words, the mayor can make an interim appointment until the committee makes a selection.”
He said the position has to be filled no sooner than five days of the vacancy and no longer than 45 days.
There are 13 members of the Republican Central Committee in Wadsworth.
Brague said it will take only one meeting to reach a decision and the meeting will be soon.
But in Norton, Mayor Mike Zita said Moss will be difficult to replace as economic development director because of his experience and networking qualities.
“We will not replace him anytime soon,” Zita said. “If we do put someone in that position, we have to decide on how much money is available in the budget to maintain that position and we have to put a few things in place to give them the tools to succeed.”
Zita said he is referring to the infrastructure of the city, specifically the proposed water and sewer lines.
“I don’t know when a decision will be made,” he said. “It could be next year, in the winter or sometime in the spring.”
Marilyn Miller can be reached at 330-996-3098 or mmiller@thebeaconjournal.com.
