While the McLeod County Board searches for the right candidate to fill Cindy Ford’s shoes as McLeod County administrator, someone will need to lead the office in the interim. At their Tuesday morning meeting, board members unanimously selected Shiela Murphy, the deputy county administrator.
Murphy has been with the county for nearly two years. She is paid an annual salary of $102,898 and will receive an additional $300 each month while in the interim position. Murphy will begin her new interim role May 29 and continue until the administration position is officially filled.
The county is accepting applications for the administrator position until June 17. After the window closes, a committee of board members and county staff will narrow the list down to three or four candidates to be interviewed by the County Board.
“I anticipate the process would take until late summer or early fall,” said McLeod County Attorney Michael Junge.
At the end of the meeting, which was her last as administrator, Ford thanked board members for the chance to serve as administrator for the past year.
“It was a role that was very interesting,” she said. “I want to thank the public for allowing me to serve as the county auditor and the county auditor-treasurer over the last 25 years. ... I’ve gained a lot of friendships.”
Ford’s work with the county began in 1995 after she was first elected to the auditor-treasurer position in 1994. She served in that capacity, re-elected every four years, until she became county administrator in November 2017. As auditor-treasurer, she administered taxes within the county, maintained financial records, invested funds and administered elections. As administrator she managed, evaluated and coordinated county departments while working closely with the board.
“She brought a financial background to the administrative role and historical knowledge,” McLeod County Board Chair Joe Nagel said when Ford announced her retirement. “In my mind she brought some stability to the administrative process. She really did a good job.”
