Sheriff asks for changes in the way jailers are hired

When there's an opening for a jailer position at the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office, often more than one very qualified person will apply.  Under current operating procedures, when a second opening occurs—even if it closely follows the first opening—the hiring process has to start over from scratch.

Sheriff Dan Marx is now asking county supervisors for permission to keep resumes on file for several months, so he can re-contact those applicants, if necessary.

The issue isn't as cut-and-dried as it might seem, however.  There are veterans preference regulations which come into play, as well as other requirements.  County Attorney Andy Van Der Maaten is being asked for his legal opinion on the matter.  Sheriff Marx says changing the current hiring process would be helpful because shortening the hiring process would mean reducing overtime pay during the time a jailer position is open.