It was “big news” from Clearwater County administration, as Chief Administrative Officer Rick Emmons is set to retire effective May 23, 2026.

The county’s newly elected council will now lead the process of finding his replacement, with several important decisions set to be made in the coming months.

Council and administration face a relatively daunting process that includes deciding what role councillors will play in recruitment and selection, determining the responsibilities and qualifications of the new CAO, setting salary and benefits, screening applications and conducting interviews, among other tasks.

Legislative Services Co-ordinator Tracy Haight said the process can take approximately 21 to 40 hours to complete.

Council will also need to decide whether Emmons would be offered a contract extension or an hourly service contract if a suitable candidate is not found. Members will further determine the desired qualifications and attributes of the next CAO, including whether the county should hire a “change agent” or maintain a more “status quo” approach.

Citing past experience hiring a CAO, Coun. Tyler McCauley said applicants should have prior knowledge of Clearwater County rather than starting with a clean slate.

Speaking about his own impending retirement, Emmons said council may wish to use this as a golden opportunity to review the overall role of the CAO.

“Speaking very personally, my contract goes against many different policies of Clearwater County,” says Emmons, who added that council may choose to create an internal resource that ensures the new CAO’s contract is fully compliant.

The CAO is the top non-elected administrator in a municipality, responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and ensuring departments such as public works, finance, planning and protective services function effectively, while carrying out the direction of council.

At its Jan. 15 meeting, council opted for a hybrid hiring model that would involve both council and the county’s internal human resources department.

Council’s 2026 operating budget includes $38,000 to cover hiring-related costs, including legal services and advertising.

Emmons is a longtime Clearwater County employee. He was first hired in 1985, and has served as CAO from 2017-2021, and again from 2022-2026.