The search for the next Development Corporation of Snyder (DCOS) executive director will officially begin Dec. 1.
During today’s board of directors meeting, a revised job description and benefits package was approved while the salary will be determined based on the candidates. The board also voted to conduct the search in-house.
Prior to discussing the position, two local men talked about the position.
“I hope you take your time and make sure you get who you want,” said David Holt, a former Snyder mayor.
He asked the board to consider hiring someone who would promote Snyder and “help with existing businesses,” including using current technology like blogs and social media.
Eddie Williams said the DCOS is an important organization, “a functioning DCOS.”
“I think it is a horrific idea to dissolve the DCOS,” he said, adding the board should do its own search.
Board member Melissa Petty said she was against using a search firm.
“I don’t see the need to spend that type of money (up to $35,000) when everyone on this board has the experience hiring people,” she said.
Board member Dennis Westmoreland said the board should first see the applications before deciding if a search firm is needed. The board voted unanimously to conduct the search on its own.
But before the search begins, DCOS directors want to hear from the public. A special meeting at the DCOS office at 6 p.m. Nov. 30 was tentatively scheduled to receive input from the public. At that meeting, the board will vote on the final job description based on the public input. A two-person committee, made up of board members will also be appointed to review the applications.
The public may submit questions to the DCOS to addressed during that meeting, board chairman Mark McClain said.
Each person will receive five minutes to discuss the search with the board. McClain said he would ask the leaders of the other taxing entities to attend.
Taking in account Holt’s comments about current technology, board member agreed that needed to be included in the job description.
“The next workforce will be a mobile, online workforce. We need to be mindful of that,” said board secretary/treasurer Michael Hoyle.
The 2010 job description included accepting applicants with a degree, but board members agreed that having a degree would be preferred, but not a requirement.
The description will also emphasized that the DCOS is a Type 4A taxing entity, meaning it is focused on industrial development.
The board also changed to the director’s function of developing and implementing marketing plans. It will now include using new technology and community civic involvement.
Hoyle suggested another change.
“It needs to include working with existing and new businesses at the beginning,” he said. “That way they know we want to work with everyone.”
Hoyle also asked that the director work with the secretary/treasurer in developing and managing the budget. The board agreed to make that change.
While no salary range was approved, the board voted to include in the benefits package that the DCOS would provide medical insurance. The car allowance will decrease from $1,200 per month to $600.
The board also voted not to include an incentive package at this time because it was not in the current budget. However, directors said they could revisit incentives during the director’s annual review and 2018-19 budget.
Directors will also issue the new director a DCOS cellphone. Board members agreed that having a cellphone was the best option because it would own the phone number after the next director left.
After receiving input from the public, the DCOS will post the opening on its website, the Texas Municipal League website, the Snyder Daily News and possibly other newspapers in the region and the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC). The DCOS is not currently a member of the TEDC, but board members asked Executive Assistant Michelle Welsh to inquire about the membership fee.
During the last search, the board used the TEDC website to post the opening, but had dropped its membership. Only members are allowed to post on the website, McClain said.