The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission is looking to use a search firm to hire a new permanent executive director. Peoria Public Radio’s Alex Rusciano reports:
Former state Senator Dale Risinger has been filling in as part-time director since Terry Kohlbuss stepped down last year. Now the Commission is considering a $15,000 contract with a search firm also being used by the City of Peoria to fill positions. The firm was suggested by Peoria County Administrator Lori Curtis Luther. Some commissioners questioned paying for a firm when a local candidate could be selected by volunteers. Tri-County chair Larry Whitaker says a search firm adds a level of credibility to the process, whether or not the hire is local:
“People who are professionals in this area actually go out, and seek the applicants, vet them in a consistent process where everybody gets looked at the same way, then have them come forward with a good recommendation of four or five people for us to talk to,” Whitaker says.
Some of the funding for the proposed search firm contract could also come from the Illinois Department of Transportation. The term of Chairman Whitaker also ends this month. Tazewell County Board member Sue Sundell takes the post for a one year term July 1st.