Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
As of the close of business this afternoon, Lincoln County Administrative Coordinator Randy Scholz will bring to a close a tenure of county employment spanning 21 years. Monday morning will open a new chapter for Randy, as he steps into the role of County Administrator for Chippewa County. Ironically, the number ‘7’ appears to have played a “figurative” factor in Scholz’s career, as a Lincoln County employee.
First employed as a Highway Department crew member in 1997, Scholz was selected to fill the role of Lincoln County Highway Administrator in 2004. Then 7-years later in 2011, Randy moved up the employment ladder once again to fill his current position of Administrative Coordinator; succeeding former coordinator John Mulder and interim coordinator Tim Meehean. Scholz’s position in Chippewa Falls will mean yet another career advancement, as a county administrator role entails additional and much different responsibilities than that of an administrative coordinator. As he explains, the role of county administrator is comparable to that of a city administrator.
“Statutorily, a county administrator has much more authority with department heads. An adminstrative coordinator only has statutory authority, when authorized by a county board,”
In looking back on his career, Scholz attributes navigating the impact of Act 10 on county government as his biggest accomplishment, but is quick to credit the help and support of the many county staff and department heads around him.
“Act 10 eliminated most unions,” he explains. “The challenge in my path was to get all county employees under one personnel policy. I can’t give enough credit to all county employees for their willingness and cooperation in adjusting to the changes under Act 10. Our department heads played a huge role in that as well. We have a great team across the board here at the service center, I am very thankful for everything they have done to make my job easier,”
Another key accomplishment over the years Randy lists, is that of the implementation of a wellness program for county employees beginning in 2012. Once again, Scholz lists the endeavor as a team effort, made possible by those around him.
As for the future, Scholz is excited for his new role in Chippewa County, but readily admits that too will bear it’s share of challenges.
“I think the biggest challenge ahead of me as a county administrator is adjusting to the role and duties versus that of an administrative coordinator, while facing the same challenges every county faces. There will still be the task of fulfilling the expectation from the general public of providing the same or enhanced level of services under constraints of levy limits and budget restrictions.”
According to County Clerk Chris Marlowe, the process of seeking Scholz’s successor began in late January and will close Feb. 23,
Qualifications for the position include; a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Management, Public Administration, Human Resource Management, government finance or related field, with a minimum of three years of successful management experience in business, industry or government, or any combination of education and successful experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. Successful administrative management experience in county or municipal government is highly desirable. A valid Wisconsin driver’s license is required.
Salary listed for the position is a minimum of $98,488.
More information regarding the position can be found on the Lincoln County website via ‘Career Opportunities’.
County Corporation Counsel Nancy Bergstrom will serve as interim Administrative Coordinator until Scholz’s successor has been selected.
In reference to his successor, Scholz’s advice focuses on awareness and transparency.
“Rely on your staff and department heads. You have a great team here in Lincoln County. Most of all, be transparent. If there is one thing I have learned over the years, is to be open and honest with everyone, especially the county board and local media. We have a great board here in Lincoln County and have a great relationship with our local newspaper, transparency is very important to them as it should be.”