If all proceeds as scheduled, the Washington County Public Health Department could have a new administrator in place by the end of October. The board, in an early morning special meeting on Tuesday, set Saturday, October 16 for a day-long series of interviews with five applicants. The five were selected from nine semi-finalists and were identified individually only by letters A, B, D, G, and H.

The applicants will be interviewed by county and community health group representatives in the morning and by the board in the afternoon of October 16. All will be closed sessions with the morning ones set for 20 minutes each and the final interviews with the board set at 30 minutes. 

During the session on Tuesday, it was noted that at least two of the applicants were highly ranked; however, the board wanted a “large pool,” explained Chris Estle, interim administrator, noting that not all who interview for a position may accept the final offer.

The board also discussed and agreed to having a facilitator to aid with the interview operation, including lunch arrangements.

Prior to the October 16, all interviewers (possibly, in total, 12 to 15 people) will have full packets of information about the finalists by October 11. Among the interviewers will be department staff, a county hospital representative, a school nurse and the Washington Chamber director. There also will be a board member in each interviewing group. 

It is likely the final selection will be in closed session October 16 and announced at the regular October 21 noon meeting.  Equally likely is that the new administrator will assume full duties before the end of November. The contract with Jefferson County for the services Chris Estle expires in December.