Atkinson out as Agency on Aging director

Without offering any public explanation, the Flathead County commissioners voted unanimously Thursday against renewing the contract of Jim Atkinson, who has been director of the county’s Area Agency on Aging for the last 19 years.

“We have contracts with a lot of our employees, and we just chose not to renew Jim’s contract” was the only comment from Commissioner Pam Holmquist when asked why Atkinson was let go.

County Administrator Mike Pence noted that Commissioner Jim Dupont made some brief comments before the vote, “but basically there was no discussion.”

Dupont and Commissioner Dale Lauman did not return phone calls Friday inquiring about the reasons for the vote.

Atkinson also did not return phone calls, but he did send an email Thursday to members of the Area Agency on Aging advisory board.

“The county commissioners voted today to not renew my contract,” the email states. “This means that as of today, I have no responsibilities for the Agency on Aging. I want you to know what a wonderful position it has been for me. I also want you to know how important an advisory council is to a director and the organization. You keep us grounded. My best wishes to you as you continue to serve the needs of seniors in Flathead County.”

Atkinson, a 23-year veteran on the Kalispell City Council, was hired as the director of the Area Agency on Aging in 1993.

He is a fifth-generation Montanan and has lived in the Flathead Valley for the last 37 years.

Atkinson was a special education teacher in Tacoma and Kalispell schools, a salesman and a nursing home administrator before beginning his career with the Agency on Aging.

Reporter Jim Mann may be reached at 758-4407 or by email at jmann@dailyinterlake.com.