FARGO — A woman who works as the senior controller for the City of Winnipeg, Manitoba, has been hired as Cass County's new finance director.
Brandy Madrigga, who will replace longtime director Mike Montplaisir who retired in early August, will begin her new job on Oct. 4.
She was recommended by a five-member committee who interviewed three finalists, including two employees who worked in the office. The Cass County Commission approved her hiring on a 5-0 vote on Monday, Aug. 16.
The selection panel chose Madrigga because, as County Administrator Robert Wilson said, the committee was "very impressed with her skills and background."
Commissioner Mary Scherling asked about Madrigga's ability to get American citizenship and be able to stay here.
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Cass County State's Attorney Birch Burdick said he didn't think it would be much of a problem as he consulted with a lawyer who had worked on immigration issues.
"Of course, immigration laws could change tomorrow," he said.
Madrigga also plans to move her family to Cass County with her. She was given additional time to move to deal with the immigration process and give a 30-day notice to the city in Winnipeg.
Wilson is filling in as the temporary finance director until Madrigga arrives.
She will be paid an annual salary of $111,578.
The finance director position used to be an elected county auditor position before the office was changed to be appointed and was combined with the county recorder and treasurer offices.
The finance director is responsible for supervising elections in the county as well as managing the county finances, preparing the annual county budget and handling property taxes.
The committee who recommended Madrigga included Wilson, County Board Chairman Chad Peterson, Commissioner Rick Steen, County Human Resources Director Cindy Stoick and City of West Fargo Finance Director Jim Larson.
