Search begins for new Genoa town manager

A Genoa town manager might be in harness in time to witness Candy Dance.

Recruitment for the position closes 4 p.m. July 22, almost precisely two months before the Sept. 24-25 event that provides the lion’s share of the budget to support Nevada’s oldest town.

Douglas County Human Resources Analyst Christine Vido said there have been applicants for the position, which has an advertised pay range of $63,419-$95,139.

Once the posting closes, Vido said it would take a week or so to screen applicants. Interviews could be conducted at an open meeting on Aug. 18. Town Board members R. Alex Alexander and Gordon Pasley will act as liaisons to Human Resources.

Last month the Town Board accepted the resignation of Town Manager Matt Bruback and appointed Amanda Reid as interim town manager.

In his letter to the Town Board, Bruback said he was resigning “under duress” because he believed the town board would terminate his employment after he was convicted of interfering with firefighters. Bruback’s appeal of his conviction is scheduled for Aug. 9 in Douglas County District Court.

In June, Genoa native Bill Brooks urged the board to consider someone with more administrative experience.

“Focus on people with an administrative services background rather than a festival background,” Brooks said.

With the exception of just two years, including 2020, the fundraiser has been an annual event since 1919.

Established to pay for streetlights after the town lost the county seat to Minden, it originally consisted of a dinner and dance where candy was served.

The introduction of the craft fair in 1974 increased revenue substantially and ended up taking over the town of 300 for two days with more than 30,000 visitors over the last weekend in September.