Dawson County District Attorney Lee asked the Board of Commissioners on July 3 to reclassify Valerie Edmondson from administrative clerk to legal administrative assistant, saying Edmondson’s duties "help prepare subpoenas, discovery" and include managing case files and court calendars. The request would move the position from pay grade 5 to pay grade 11.

Lee told the board the change would not require an immediate budget increase because salary savings from an assistant district attorney vacancy earlier in the year cover the cost through the current budget year. Staff said Edmondson currently earns $22.23 per hour and would receive a 5% grade adjustment to $23.34 per hour. Board members discussed the annualized cost and agreed that continuing the higher pay would be included in next year’s budget request.

The board asked clarifying questions about current and next-year costs and confirmed the reclassification request would be included in the county’s upcoming budget request for continuation of the position at the new grade. No formal vote was recorded on the request during the portion of the transcript provided.

The request was presented during the work session; the chair thanked Lee after the presentation.