The Polk County Board of Commissioners decided this week to find an interim agriculture economic development director to fill the position left open when former director Lynn Sprague resigned.

The decision to advertise for an interim director was unanimously approved by the board during its May 20 meeting.

Polk County District Soil and Water Supervisor Dave Slater said he and farmland preservation board chair Doug Harmon disagree on whether or not to hire an interim director.

“I understand there is an interest in appointing an interim ag econ director,” Slater said. “I don’t think that is necessary.”

Slater said the position is not a position critical to the health and safety of county citizens and it is important to advertise broadly for the best candidate for the job.

The position, he said, is a $50,000 position within a $145,000 budget.

“There is no need to get in a hurry to spend our money,” said Slater.

He also said the market development work of farmers typically takes place in the fall, winter and spring at the latest.