Minden looking for its first town manager

Minden is ready to hire a town manager at an annual salary of up to $99,756.

Town board members approved a job description Sept. 2, and the position was posted on Douglas County's Web site.

While the manager would work for the town, the hiring is done by the county's human resources department.

Applications are to be submitted by 4 p.m. Nov. 2.

"What we're trying to do is find a person who really has a good understanding of the town and knows what the town is about," said board member Steve Thaler.

"It's going to be a slow process. There are a lot of people out there looking for a job. We want somebody who's looking for a career," he said.

Ross Chichester said with his departure and that of two other longtime board members in December 2010, it is imperative to have enough time to bring someone on board and familiarize them with town issues, especially growth and water.

Depending on the success of the nationwide search, the town would like to have a manager in place between March and May next year.

"I'm hoping it's someone in our community," Thaler said.

The salary range is $74,246-$99,756, plus benefits, depending on experience.

Qualifications include bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, finance, accounting, or a closely related field with at least five years experience in a municipal setting; a master's degree and experience working with an elected council or board. Applicants should have a background in water and community finances, or a combination of education and experience.

Board member Bob Hadfield said he supported the position, but was concerned whether the town could afford a manager.

He wanted confirmation that an agreement with Douglas County had been signed to pump Minden's water through a $21 million pipeline to interconnect the major water suppliers in the region.

"The future of this town - our future - is water," Hadfield said. "That's why the water agreement has to be the best ever. That agreement is the most important to come before this board."

"Financially, it is tight, but it's the right time to do this," said Minden board member Ross Chichester.

Minden modeled its requirements after Gardnerville's town manager, Jim Park. He addressed the board earlier this summer about the specifics of his position. Park, town manager for nine years, earns $91,000 a year and recently refused a 6 percent pay hike and bonus.