Baldwin County commissioners had an open conversation about what to do with the county engineer position during Tuesday’s work session meeting in Foley.

Commission Chairman Chris Elliott said he put the item on the agenda so he could gauge where the commissioners were on how they wanted to proceed with filling the position left by vacating County Engineer Cal Markert.

“We need to decide how we want to move forward with finding the next county engineer,” Elliott said. “Whether that’s a headhunting search, posting the job online to various places or promoting from within, we need to see which way we want to proceed.”

Commissioner Skip Gruber said he would like to see the county promote from within, elevating Interim County Engineer Joey Nunnalley into the position permanently.

“I think we need to give Joey the opportunity to step into his position,” Gruber said. “Every time you need something, he’s good about getting an answer and he knows this county. I think we need to stick with here at this time.”

Commissioner Frank Burt agreed with Gruber.

“I’d sure like to do the same thing,” Burt said. “Being able to know people here already is a plus, and he already has worked to cooperate with ALDOT and other officials in the municipalities. He knows how we do things.”

Commissioner Tucker Dorsey said he hoped the county would take some time to explore its options for this position.

“I almost like Joey too much to give him the job because it’s the hardest job in the county,” Dorsey said. “I’m not saying no or yes today.”

Dorsey said he somewhat hoped the county would undertake a full search for a new engineer.

“I want a fresh set of eyes on this department, but not because Joey isn’t capable,” Dorsey said. “Fresh eyes might be more willing to see things that need change and be more willing to make improvements.”

Elliott echoed Dorsey’s sentiments.

“I think that with a position that is this important, we owe it to the citizens to look at a wide range of applicants,” Elliott said. “I think we owe it to the public to explore options, even if we may come back to the conclusion that the best is here in front of us.”

The commissioners did all agree Nunnalley’s salary should be raised to the full county engineer rater of $135,252 while he serves in the interim position.