Budget committee declines midyear IT hires, urges submission during regular budget cycle

The Elko County Budget Committee voted to decline a request for two midyear additions to the Information Technology Department — an administrative assistant and a support specialist — and encouraged the IT director to submit the positions for consideration in the regular budget process.

Robert Pratt, IT department, described the administrative assistant role as a front-desk and work-order coordinator who would improve departmental responsiveness. "One of our biggest requests is that people would wish the IT department was more accessible," Pratt said, describing duties that include greeting visitors, taking calls for password resets and reviewing work orders.

Nut graf: Committee members said they prefer to prioritize new positions countywide during the regular budget process, not midyear, unless a request is emergency- or grant-funded. Concerns about looming pension (PERS) contribution increases and other roll-up costs influenced the committee's decision.

Several members argued the timing was poor given expected budget pressures next year. "Even if we are in a position where we can consider another position, it should be prioritized across the entire county," a committee member said. One member proposed a policy to require new positions be presented during the budget cycle unless emergency or grant-funded exemptions apply.

The committee made a motion to decline the midyear request and to encourage submission in the next budget; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Ending: The IT director said he would submit the positions during the regular budget cycle. Committee members suggested exploring regional or inter-governmental shared IT resources as a long-term option.