Updated: Beltrami County Approves Contract for New County Administrator

Thomas Barry

Beltrami County has found its next County Administrator.

The County Board approved a contract for Thomas Barry today. Barry most recently served as the chief executive officer/city manager for the city of Minot, ND, where he was in the position for nearly four years. Prior to that, he was the director of public works/utilities for the city of Meridian, Idaho for eight years. He has also served as the engineering and operations manager for the city of Redmond, WA for seven years and as the public works program administrator for the city of Bellevue, WA for two years.

After about 34 applicants, which were then narrowed down to 13, Thomas Barry had the highest ranking out of the 13 candidates. When it came down to the final interview process, three board members voted for Barry right away, and another board member had Barry tied with another candidate. The Beltrami County Board approved Barry as the new county administrator with a 4-1 vote.

Barry is expected to start no later than November 16th. He will replace Kay Mack, who is retiring and has served as Beltrami County Administrator since 2012.

Destiny Wiggins contributed to this story.