Former El Paso County commissioner and mayoral candidate Longinos Gonzalez Jr. agreed to an offered $150,000 annual salary yesterday, October 22, and signed a contract to serve as Archuleta County Manager.
The former County Manager, Jack Harper II, resigned in August, and County Public Works Director Mike Torres has been filling in as interim Manager while the Board of County Commissioners sought a permanent replacement.
Additionally, the BOCC has agreed “to pay in full the premiums for health, hospitalization, surgical, vision, dental, and comprehensive medical insurance for the Employee equal to that which is provided to all other employees of the County.” The BOCC has also agreed to pay up to $5,000 for moving expenses.
The job that Mr. Gonzalez has taken on? Quoting from the signed contract:
Managing and supervising all departmental operations of the County, including, but not limited to: Road & Bridge, Solid Waste, Planning, Building, Veterans Services, Transportation, Department of Human Services, Finance, Fleet, Maintenance, Weed & Pest Control, Extension Services, Engineering, Airport and General Administration.
Managing all operational and administrative matters within the stated policies of the Board.
Implementing policies adopted and approved by the Board. Working with departments to ensure consistent application of County policies in the activities and business conducted in all departments managed and supervised by the County Manager and resolving questions arising from the interpretation of County policies.
Preparing and recommending the annual budget to the Board. Recommending and justifying staffing, operating expenses, capital expenditures, and revenue sources for all departments and agencies of the county government.
Determining that all contracts and agreements with the County are maintained and upheld and promptly report any violation thereof to the Board with recommendations of corrective action.
Managing the writing and applying for grants and overseeing the application process in the best interest of the County.
Managing and controlling purchases and expenditures as budgeted and appropriated. Keeping the Board advised of the financial condition and financial projections of the County.
Preparing and presenting reports concerning the affairs of the County as requested by the Board, and pursuant to local, state, and federal requirements.
Participating in maintaining and administering a countywide personnel system including compensation and benefits administration, policies, and procedures.
Supervising personnel and program operations including the assignment and review of staff work, interpretation of program and policy for staff and department heads, initiation and management of disciplinary action, interviewing and selection of staff, and scheduling work time.
Representing the County on behalf of the Board and serving as a liaison with County legal counsel in response to legal actions and interests of the County.
Managing the County’s management team, reviewing and resolving internal issues, developing and implementing strategic direction for the organization, and attending County meetings to represent the departments before the Board of County Commissioners.
Attending Board meetings and any other meetings the Commissioners may designate and provide timely information on County operations as needed to keep the Board appraised of County business.
Communicating, as needed, with the Board and other elected officials, county officials, department managers, and the public ensuring the effective exchange of information.
Performing any reasonable duties within the scope of the County Manager position as assigned by the Board and any relevant governing policy manual(s) adopted by the Board.
Serving as an official representative of the County in a professional manner with local, state and federal agencies and organizations to accomplish the goals and carry out the agenda of the County and the Board.
Performing other duties as assigned and required, at the Employer’s sole discretion.
The final sentence of the job description seems to indicate that Mr. Gonzalez can be required to perform any duties whatsoever, at the sole discretion of the BOCC.
That may have been the very requirement that led to Mr. Harper’s resignation in August.