An unanimous vote by the Lewis County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday appointed Steve Wohld, the county’s chief of internal services, to the interim role of the county manager.
The current county manager, Erik Martin, is set to see his final day in the job on March 24.
“We had some discussion about this last week and it appeared that is the direction the board wants to head,” Martin said of the appointment on Tuesday. “Attached to that resolution is a list of direction the board wants to give to Steve.”
In the directions, the commissioners outline that Wohld should be an equal representative for all the county’s offices and departments, pursuing the “best possible service” to the citizens of the county through his management.
The proposed timeline for his stay in the role is set to be four to six months while the county searches for a permanent replacement.
“It’s more important to select the correct county manager going forward as opposed to trying to go through it as quickly as possible,” Commissioner Lindsey Pollock said on Tuesday.
The interim manager will not be permitted to appoint or remove any chief officers in any department without the board’s approval.
“I have complete confidence in Steve and his ability to keep things going the right direction and moving forward but I also have complete confidence in all the (department) directors,” Commissioner Scott Brummer said. “My observations of the last few months have been that we have outstanding directors in this county and they’re doing a fantastic job and difficult jobs, so I’m confident that this is not going to be an issue and things will be as smooth as possible.”
Wohld thanked the commissioners for their support. According to the resolution passed, he requested to be the one to fill this role while the county seeks a permanent manager.
“I would echo that confidence in our directors and also the candor the directors provided this entire process in figuring out how we’re going to go forward,” Pollock said. “Change is always a little bit difficult.”
Brummer added that as the transition gets underway, staff and department heads should feel welcome to call or meet with the commissioners and that he intends to be as supportive as possible.
“Thanks for being willing to do this,” Commissioner Sean Swope said to Wohld. “I know you have a big plate that you’re already doing. Just made a buffet out of it.”
