WINONA, Minn. – in an unusual if not awkward hiring process, the County Board voted 3-1 to negotiate a contract with the interim county administrator, Maureen Holte, to take the position long term — but not quite offering her the position. In part this was because contrarian Board member Marcia Ward wouldn’t go along with the majority unless Holte be interviewed formally. Other Board members called Ward silly. noting that Holte has been running the county with the interim title since 2021. Before that she was the assistant county administrator and personnel director for 30 years. Said Board member Chris Meyer: “I think we have worked with Maureen for a long time. Maureen has proven herself.”
Holte. Talks under way about offering her top job running Winona County government. Scope: 250 employees, $70 million budget. Salary: $133,000 a year.
Record of failed searches
The Board hired a consulting. firm to organize a national search when Ken Fritz retired in 2021.The first round produced no candidates to the liking of a Board majority. In the second round, one applicant was offered the position but turned it down. Head-hunting consultant Pat Melvin recommended against going right away for a third round. The undercurrent in county government circles was that word was getting around that the Board was not only often sharply divided but hard to work with. Melvin, the recruiter, put it this way: “I don’t think you would have a good turnout for a third recruitment.” Melvin suggested Holte as a viable option.
Holte waffled on job
Holte applied to be county administrator in 2015 but lost to Ken Fritz, an outsider. Holte did not apply in the first recruiting rounds after Fritz retired, although some Board members approached her to do so. Nor did she apply in the second also unsuccessful round. Now, however, Holte has expressed interest anew.
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