Veterans office proposes temporary staffing pattern change to cover upcoming deputy vacancy; committee refers plan to personnel

The Washington County Veterans office presented a staffing update on March 13 that included an announced deputy‑director vacancy effective April 7 and a proposal to temporarily suspend the deputy director role while converting a part‑time clerk to a full‑time veteran services officer (VSO).

Why it matters: The office said the temporary staffing change would reduce short‑term personnel costs (staff described annual savings of roughly $1,200–$1,500 when prorated) and give the recently hired clerk time to train up before assuming supervisory duties; staff also noted community partners and a part‑time former deputy who now works at the state are available to assist with the county caseload during the transition.

Committee action: The committee moved the item to the personnel committee for further review and approval of the staffing pattern change. Staff said they will return with personnel committee recommendations and cost details.

Details from the presentation

- Current staffing: after the announced vacancy the office would have one county veteran services officer/director, one county federal service officer (Josh Worthington in the transcript) and a full‑time clerk; a newly hired part‑time clerk (Ashley Johnson) would be trained and later promoted into VSO duties under the proposed temporary pattern.

- Cost and operational concerns: staff estimated a small short‑term salary savings by suspending the deputy title and creating a VSO; supervisors asked for assurance the remaining staff could handle the caseload and for a timeline on restoring the deputy position when workload requires.

Next steps: Personnel committee review and follow up with a staffing pattern change or formal personnel actions as appropriate.