District Clerk Amanda Calvert Advocates for Staff and Budget Adjustments in Hays County

In a lively session at the Hays County government center, District Clerk Amanda Calvert presented a compelling case for budget adjustments aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of her office. Despite feeling unwell, Calvert passionately advocated for the addition of staff and a reevaluation of salaries to retain skilled employees crucial for the county's judicial processes.

Calvert's primary request centered on the need for three additional staff members to ensure her office could operate effectively, especially as two employees from the treasurer's office transition into her team. She emphasized that this transfer would not alleviate the existing staffing shortages but rather necessitate additional supervisory roles to maintain a balanced organizational structure. To address this, she proposed changing a recommended senior clerk position to a chief deputy clerk role, which would better align with the office's supervisory needs.

A significant part of her presentation focused on salary disparities for the chief deputy clerk position, which currently pays $48,697, far below the market average of $79,166. Calvert highlighted the critical responsibilities of her staff, including managing juror summons and overseeing court records, which demand competitive compensation to retain talent. She noted that employees have received offers from neighboring counties, underscoring the urgency of her request for salary adjustments.

Calvert also sought an additional $1,500 for training, emphasizing the importance of continuous education in a rapidly changing legislative environment. She expressed gratitude for the inclusion of a new attorney portal in the budget, which would enhance access to justice for the community.

The meeting also featured discussions on the need for additional personnel in the fire marshal's office, where Director Mike Jones highlighted the increasing demands of investigations and inspections. He advocated for hiring more deputies to manage the workload effectively, especially as the county faces growing challenges related to fire safety and compliance.

As the meeting concluded, there was a palpable sense of support among the commissioners for Calvert's and Jones's requests, reflecting a commitment to ensuring that Hays County's essential services are adequately staffed and funded. The discussions underscored the importance of investing in personnel and resources to maintain the quality of services that residents rely on, setting the stage for future budget considerations.