Morrison Co. treasurer office still in limbo

Morrison County employee Deb Gruber has made the transition from county treasurer to county administrator, but the county board is still working on how the treasurer office will run.

The Morrison County Board passed a resolution Tuesday that will allow the board flexibility in doing business in the treasurer's office. The county is seeking special legislation that will allow the county board to appoint a treasurer instead of mandating it to be elected.

"We are considering the possibility of consolidating the responsibilities of the treasurer's office into other departments," said Gruber. "This would allow the county to save money in the treasurer's position but not sacrifice service."

The county has been looking at consolidating its services with the treasurer, recorder, auditor and administrator since Gruber was considered for the administrator position. The board is looking for ways the county can be more cost-effective and efficient in the way it provides services in these departments.

A hearing will be 7 p.m. April 8 in the county board room to discuss the treasurer position.

The county board entered into negotiations with Gruber in December, but Gruber didn't officially start as the county administrator until Jan. 31. The delay was due to Gruber being an elected official. The law states that the administrator cannot hold an elected position at the same time. The board appointed Bunny Johnston, the county recorder, as interim treasurer, effective Jan. 31.

Gruber, who replaces Tim Houle, who resigned after 14 years as the county administrator in July, will earn an annual salary of $78,166 as the administrator.

Gruber, 31, who lives in Pierz, was hired in 2005 to fill the treasurer position in the county and was elected into the position in the fall of 2006. Gruber, who earned a bachelor's of science degree in finance from St. Cloud State University in 2000, worked in banking and was a compliance analyst with PrimeVest Financial Services in St. Cloud until she was hired with Morrison County. Gruber currently is working on a master's degree in public and nonprofit institutions.

"Morrison County is my home," said Gruber. "I am proud of the community and the people who live and work here ... Hard work, strong values and quality leadership has helped make Morrison County and this organization a great place to live and work. I am excited and honored to be a part of its future.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge of being the county administrator. I really have enjoyed working in county government and I wanted to expand on that and this position was a good fit."

JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.