During a recent meeting of the Wood County Board of Supervisors, employees from Mount Rogers Community Service Board voiced their concerns regarding proposed funding cuts and the perceived undervaluation of their services. The discussions highlighted the critical role that Mount Rogers plays in the community, particularly in behavioral health and developmental disability services.

Deanna Mabe, a talent acquisition specialist at Mount Rogers, expressed her shock at reports suggesting that the board was considering defending the agency's services due to concerns over salary scales. Mabe emphasized the extensive qualifications required for positions within the organization, including psychiatrists and licensed professional counselors, arguing that the salaries reflect the high level of education and training necessary for these roles.

Robert Gordon, Chief HR Officer at Mount Rogers, provided data indicating that the agency's turnover rate stands at 1%, significantly lower than the average rates of 3% and 4% for community service boards across the state. He attributed this stability to a supportive work environment fostered by leadership, which he believes is essential for delivering quality services to the community.

Several employees, including Xavier Barnett and Laura Davis, shared personal testimonies about the supportive culture at Mount Rogers. Barnett, a registered behavior technician, highlighted the positive impact of a collaborative work environment on both staff and the children they serve. Davis, who has worked at Mount Rogers for nearly two decades, praised the agency's leadership for its transparency and communication, particularly during challenging times.

The meeting underscored a collective plea from Mount Rogers employees for the board to reconsider any funding cuts, emphasizing that such decisions could adversely affect both the services provided to vulnerable populations and the job security of the staff. The employees urged the board to recognize the value of their work and the importance of maintaining adequate funding for mental health services in the community.