County Committee Considers Headcount Adjustments for Clerk Positions Amid High Turnover

During a recent special meeting of the Rockwall County Commissioners Court, discussions centered on staffing needs and salary adjustments for various county departments, reflecting a commitment to address employee turnover and enhance operational efficiency.

One of the key topics was the request for additional personnel in the district and county clerk offices. Officials noted a significant turnover rate in these departments, which has raised concerns about the costs associated with training new employees versus retaining existing staff. A proposal was made to evaluate potential salary adjustments, with requests for increases of up to 67% for certain positions. This move aims to improve retention and ensure that these offices can function effectively.

The conversation also touched on the need for a grant writer, with some members expressing skepticism about adding this position to the county's payroll. Instead, they suggested exploring the possibility of hiring grant writers on a contract basis, which could be more cost-effective.

In the development services department, there was debate over the necessity of hiring an additional full-time clerk, given that a part-time clerk is already in place. The commissioners expressed a desire to carefully assess the workload and determine if the current staffing levels are sufficient.

Additionally, the elections department's request for job grade changes instead of merit increases was discussed. The importance of maintaining a motivated and adequately compensated workforce in this area was emphasized, as mistakes in elections can lead to significant public scrutiny.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the county's ongoing efforts to balance budgetary constraints with the need to support its employees and maintain effective public services. The discussions will likely lead to further evaluations and potential adjustments in staffing and compensation strategies in the coming months.