Interim County Administrator Sarah Plinsky told Gaughan during Wednesday’s meeting that she appreciated his dedication to initiatives that may not be flashy or make headlines, but that help the organization function better.
Gaughan said certain administrative tasks — such as a salary study and overhaul of the pay structure that the county completed — will help the county be a competitive employer for those drawn to public service, despite its position sandwiched between Johnson and Shawnee counties as well as facing the University of Kansas, city of Lawrence and the local school district.
“Just like every other employer in town, we’re hoping to recruit and retain talented, smart people,” he said.
He also noted the inevitability that Craig Weinaug, who served as county administrator for more than 26 years, would eventually retire. Gaughan wanted to make sure the county would be in a position to move forward when Weinaug’s experience and knowledge left the courthouse — which it did, with his December retirement.
Read more: LJWorld.com