County manager gets high marks

After her first year, reviews of County Manager Jenifer Davidson’s performance were glowing and earned her a $3,000 bonus and a 3-percent pay increase.

“Performance reviews are always difficult for me because I’m one individual who’s a member of a very large team,” she told commissioners on Thursday. “There is nothing that my office or I can do in this position by myself.”

Commission Chairman Wes Rice said he’d been told by a couple of supervisors over his career in law enforcement that “no one should get through a review without having their tail feathers singed a little bit. But I can’t find anything to singe.”

Commissioner Walt Nowosad said Davidson was the best manager he’s ever worked with.

“In 70 years in the commercial world, this is without a doubt the best manager I’ve ever had,” he said. “I spent some time in the Navy where the performance is rated 1.0-4.0. I assign you a 3.99. Why not a 4.0? Nobody’s perfect.”

Both Rice and Commissioner Danny Tarkanian said Davidson’s efforts made their jobs easier.

“The thing I like the most is that you work with everyone,” Tarkanian said. “You have great people working for you. I only see a bright future.”

Commissioner Mark Gardner pointed out that when Davidson was hired, the county was faced with losing several senior employees to retirement.

“The only thing I expressed discomfort with your contract was that it wasn’t a 14-year contract,” he said. “Your hiring is the most significant and impactful decision this board has made in the last year.”

Commissioner Sharla Hales said it has been a joy to watch Davidson work.

“I’m excited to be part of this team right now at this point in time,” she said. “There’s great energy and great leadership, but also great challenges.”

Davidson grew up in Carson Valley and is a 2000 Douglas High School graduate.

She is the grand niece of former Douglas County Commissioner Herb Witt.

County commissioners also approved contracts with all three associations representing Douglas County Sheriff’s Office personnel.

They also approved contracts for four of five indigent defense attorneys and the coordinator.