PORT ANGELES — Port of Port Angeles Finance Director Bill James will work as the financial consultant for the Harbor-Works Public Development Authority.
The Harbor-Works five-member board of directors on Wednesday unanimously approved selecting James for the position that pays $125 per hour.
The board also unanimously approved extending the contract for Jim Haguewood, interim executive director, until Jan. 15, with his pay being $2,000 monthly.
Haguewood also serves as director of the Clallam County Business Incubator and is the former head of the Clallam County Economic Development Council.
At its Oct. 1 meeting, the board had chosen to hire James as its treasurer. It retracted that decision since its charter states that the board must choose one of its own members for the position.
The board unanimously chose board member Jerry Hendricks, a former port executive director, as its treasurer at the meeting.
Hendricks directed Wednesday’s meeting since Orville Campbell, board chairman, was absent and participated via telephone.
Though Hendricks will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of financial accounting, James’ contract says he will provide advice on managing Harbor-Works’ bank account at Kitsap Bank, financial planning and forecasting, administration of grants, managing financial assets, and any other treasury functions.
It also says his hours will vary depending upon the amount of work available.
Hendricks, who hired James while he was the port executive director, said James is knowledgeable in all the aspects of accounting that would involve Harbor-Works.
“I am confident that James will do a good job,” he said.
Hendricks said the board received input from the state Auditor’s Office prior to making the decision.
Executive director
The board has selected a candidate for the executive director position, which it has declined to identify, saying contract negotiations have not been completed.
Eighteen candidates applied and three finalists were interviewed in Port Angeles earlier this month.
Deputy Mayor Betsy Wharton participated in the interviews. Hendricks said her role was to provide input, but that she was not involved in the final selection.
Harbor-Works’ 2008 budget allocates $144,000 a year for the position.
The board also approved its first invoices for expenditures to date, which total $23,519.56.
They include:
• $9,500 for one year of insurance.
• $7,500 for Haguewood.
• $5,036.84 for city staff time.
• $436 in advertising for the executive director position.
• $257.75 for meeting recording equipment.
• $488.58 in lodging for three executive director candidates, supplies, domain name and e-mail at refreshments during a meeting.
Hendricks said a proposed $225 per hour consulting contract with former City Manager Mark Madsen is still up for consideration.
The board sent the proposal to its attorney, Rob Tulloch, for revision last month.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
