Flathead County administrator's contract renewed
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 5 months AGO
Flathead County administrator Pete Melnick outside the county's North Campus Building in Kalispell on Thursday, Dec. 16. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | May 23, 2024 12:00 AM
Flathead County commissioners on Tuesday approved extending the contract for the county administrator for another three years.
County Administrator Pete Melnick has managed county operations since entering the role in 2021. The contract goes through June 2027.
Commissioners unanimously approved the contract.
“It’s been an honor and privilege to serve Flathead County,” Melnick said after the vote.
The contract includes a base salary of $151,000, along with annual cost of living adjustments.
The county administrator is the county’s chief executive, and under the direction of the county commissioners provides overall leadership, direction, coordination and support of the activities of the county’s workforce. The administrator ensures that “quality, effective and efficient services” are provided within the law and the policies of the county commission are carried out, according to a summary for the job.
As part of the contract, Melnick receives a monthly transportation stipend of $400 for travel expenses for county business instead of using a county vehicle.
Prior to joining the county, Melnick spent his career in the Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security.
Deputy Editor Heidi Desch may be reached at 758-4421 or [email protected].
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