Paonia trustees interview interim administrator candidate, defer hiring after public concerns

Paonia’s Board of Trustees held a special meeting to consider hiring interim town administrator Greg Sund, heard public concerns about his past tenures and the speed of the process, and set a follow-up meeting on June 3 to complete reference checks and finalize a contract.

Mayor Paige Smith opened the meeting by outlining the interview format and noting a draft consulting agreement and candidate résumé were in the packet. The board confirmed a quorum and asked Sund to introduce himself. Sund said, "I've been involved in local government since 1983," and described prior service as a manager and interim administrator in multiple municipalities and involvement on projects such as the establishment of Fishers Peak State Park.

Trustees focused questions on continuity for ongoing grant-funded infrastructure projects, Sund's public-works and wastewater experience, and how he approaches citizen engagement and short-term/ad hoc committees. Sund said he favors continuity and working closely with staff and engineers to keep projects moving. Mayor Smith noted current work including a realigned water tank and an RFP to replace 10,000 feet of transmission line and pointed to a draft contract clause under which the candidate would cover half of housing and utilities during busy summer months.

During public comment, resident Pete McCarthy read a prepared statement alleging problems in Sund’s prior positions and said "In September 2019, he resigned to avoid being fired," adding that he would file a petition to recall Mayor Smith over the speed of the hiring process. Sund responded to questions about his departures by saying he was not given explicit explanations in every case and that differences in management approaches with boards were a common reason for separation.

A trustee moved to accept the consulting agreement for Sund, but the motion received no second and died. Trustees then debated next steps: several members said they were uncomfortable finalizing a hire with only 24 hours' notice to review the packet and wanted references checked. The board agreed to hold a special meeting on Wednesday, June 3 at 5:30 p.m. to receive written reference-check results, allow public comment, and consider revisions to the contract and a final decision.

Key contract points discussed included: the draft treats Sund as a contractor rather than an employee, the proposal is month-to-month for up to six months with possible extensions, and the draft includes a 30-day termination-notice clause. Trustees asked staff to attempt reference checks and to research short-term rental rates so the board can set a housing cost cap before final approval.

The trustees closed the meeting after thanking Sund and attendees. The board’s next step is the June 3 special meeting where members said they expect to review completed references and any contract edits before taking a final vote.