Board approves new state‑funded probation officer post to handle increased caseload

The Graham County Board of Supervisors voted Aug. 18 to approve a new adult probation officer position, which probation staff said is funded by the state and intended to address an increased standard caseload. Herman Andrews of the probation office presented the request, saying, “We are here for, approval of a new probation officer position for our increased standard case load.” He added the new position is state-funded. Why it matters: Probation staff told the board the county’s caseloads have risen and that an additional officer is needed to maintain supervision standards. Supervisors asked whether the position is new or a refill and whether the state provides a vehicle; staff replied it is a new position and probation officers do not receive a vehicle as standard practice. Board action: A motion to approve the new adult probation officer position was made and seconded; the chair called for aye votes and the motion passed. Implementation and context: The board recorded no change to county funding responsibility because the position is state-funded; probation staff said other duties and existing programs continue to occupy current staff schedules. No start date, salary, or job posting details were read into the meeting record. Next steps: Probation will proceed to fill the position according to state and county hiring procedures; supervisors requested no additional county-funded vehicle for the new post.