Ketchum begins advertising for new housing director

The search has begun for a new housing director to replace Karl Fulmer, who will leave his post Dec. 4.

The Ketchum City Council voted 2-1, one absent, on Monday to begin advertising for the position immediately.

The opposing vote came from Councilwoman Chris Potters, who contended that the position would be most effective at a county level. Dave Hutchinson was not present.

"It’s frustrating from a Ketchum City Council perspective to hear talk of turning this over to the county," Fulmer said. "We just haven’t seen follow-through from the county."

Fulmer contended that the needs assessment for affordable housing, the major task of his position, points to the northern Wood River Valley.

"The infrastructure is here in Ketchum and Sun Valley," he said.

Fulmer explained that Bellevue does not have many land parcels left, nor the sewage treatment capability to sustain affordable housing projects. He also said it is more problematic to look at land in Hailey due to sewage restrictions and the efforts to control growth through those restrictions even though land there may be cheaper.

Councilwoman Sue Noel added that the city of Ketchum has already budgeted the position for its upcoming fiscal year whereas the county has not.

Potters suggested turning the budgeted funds over to the county.