Boone County Public Works Director David Mink resigns

COLUMBIA — Northern District Commissioner Skip Elkin confirmed Monday that the Boone County Commission has accepted the resignation of Boone County Public Works Director David Mink.

Employees at the office of public works were told of Mink's decision to leave his job on Nov. 14.

The commission appointed Derin Campbell, the public works department's manager of design and construction as interim director.

Southern District Commissioner Karen Miller said Campbell is well-qualified for the temporary appointment.

"He has the ability to oversee the big picture at this time," she said. "Because (the division of) design and construction works with maintenance and helps them define culverts and roads, it makes sense to appoint someone from that side of the shop."

Elkin said the commission is reviewing the job description for the director of public works to ensure that the posting for the position accurately reflects its responsibilities.

"We're finalizing that," Elkin said. "(The posting) will probably be advertised this weekend."

The posting will be open for 30 days, he said. Anyone who meets the minimum qualifications for the position can apply.

"Once we receive all the applications, the interviews will start and a selection committee will short-list folks that are most qualified," Elkin said.

No one would comment on whether Mink's resignation was connected to the commission's 2-1 decision to reprimand him for shortcomings in the department in 2004. At that time, Elkin, Miller and then-Presiding Commissioner Keith Schnarre made up the commission. Elkin, the sole dissenting voice, voted to terminate Mink at that time.

Neither commissioner would comment on the circumstances of Mink's resignation.

Mink could not be reached for comment Monday afternoon.

According to Boone County Human Resources director Betty Dickneite, Mink earned an annual salary of $96,491 at the time of his resignation.

Miller said Mink, who became the director of the department in October 2000, brought the department to the next step in management and policy implementation.

"Every person brings a skill to the job," she said. "We will replace him with someone who will take it to the next level."