The Gila County Board of Supervisors voted 2-1 on June 2 to appoint Acting County Manager Michael O’Driscoll as the county’s permanent manager, just over a month after the board terminated former County Manager James Menlove.
O’Driscoll had served as acting county manager since supervisors terminated Menlove in May.
Board Chairman Steve Christensen and Supervisor Tim Humphrey voted in favor of O’Driscoll’s appointment, while Vice Chairman Woody Cline voted against it. Cline had also cast the single vote against the termination of Menlove in May.
O’Driscoll was unavailable to interview with Globe Miami Times regarding his new role, however, he responded to some questions from Globe Miami Times in an email.
“The board has been clear that they want more transparency, improved communication, and timely results,” he said. “My focus is making sure the board members know what their county government is doing, that concerns are being heard, and that we are delivering measurable results for the people of Gila County.”
O’Driscoll has been working for the county since 2011, when he was director of Public Health and Emergency Management.
During his tenure as director, O’Driscoll gained public visibility while overseeing Gila County’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts, which were among the first in the nation to be made available to the general public.
He was appointed deputy county manager in 2023.
Since assuming his latest role as county manager, his most immediate priorities have included the county’s upcoming fiscal year budget and continuing flood recovery efforts, he said.
He has stepped into the role at a critical time, as the financing for the county’s $18 million flood recovery bond is now in effect, and the county is actively utilizing those funds.
When asked what he sees as the county’s biggest challenges over the next few years, he responded that workforce recruitment and retention is one of the most significant.
“Our employees are our greatest asset,” he said. “Like many rural communities, we compete for a limited workforce while trying to provide a wide range of services across a large geographic area.”
The county currently has recruitment needs in several critical areas, he said, including public works, healthcare, construction and project management, landfill operations and human resources.
Infrastructure needs also present ongoing challenges, he said.
“The county continues to address flood recovery projects while also maintaining roads, public facilities, solid waste infrastructure, and other essential services,” he said.
“My goal remains simple,” he said. “Keep projects moving, keep the public informed, and ensure county government remains focused on delivering results for the residents of Gila County.”
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