One step closer to hiring administrator, City conducts two interviews

Representatives from the Kimball City Council, Board of Public Works and City of Kimball staff were present to interview two candidates for the City Administrator position left open when former administrator, Daniel Ortiz, resigned on Oct. 21.

The two candidates, interviewed at the Kimball Event Center on Monday, Dec. 19, were narrowed down from a field of more than a dozen applications.

While City of Kimball representatives were present, the interview was facilitated by Bill Podraza, a professional interviewer, with nearly a dozen residents in attendance as well.

Dan Dean, the former Town Manager of Mead, Colo., was interviewed first. Dean has more than 30 years of experience in local government management and holds a master's degree in public administration from Indiana University.

Following Dean, Edith Ball was interviewed. Ball is currently a City Clerk/Treasurer with city manager responsibilities and holds a bachelor's degree in anthropology from Oregon State University.

Following the interviews the candidates made themselves available to interact with the public and answer any questions, which were not allowed during the interview process.

Prunty said that approximately 20 citizens showed up to meet the candidates.

"I was disappointed with the poor showing to meet our candidates," he said. "But I do understand the busy Christmas season."

The decision falls solely on Kimball Mayor Keith Prunty, who will take his recommendation to the council to be ratified.

Prunty said that before he makes a choice, he will gather input from board members, staff and the public that attended the interviews.

"I think either candidate would do a decent job," Prunty said.

He hopes to have a choice made by Wednesday, Dec. 21, and will then call for a special meeting.