Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Grants And Budgeting topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves grant-compliance deputy position and related software after amendment
Summary
Delaware County Council approved an appropriation to fund a grant-compliance deputy position and software, amending the salary line downward; debate focused on duties, whether the post is a grant writer, and budget timing.
The Delaware County Council on March 18 approved an appropriation to establish a grant-compliance deputy position in the auditor’s office and to purchase grant-management software, after an amendment reduced the partial-year salary in the appropriation.
Tanya Dunsmore, chief deputy auditor, told the council the new hire would work in the auditor’s office to “do[] a search for grants throughout the state or Fed” and handle compliance and reporting rather than act as a grant writer. She said the deputy would “work hand in hand with the software” and would help departments find and meet grant reporting requirements.
The council discussed whether the position would be new or filled by moving an existing employee. Dunsmore said the county has “someone in mind” within the auditor’s office who could be moved into the role but that officials have not asked that employee whether they want the reassignment. The salary line originally proposed was for a full-year equivalent; Council members amended the appropriation to fund roughly three quarters of that salary for the remainder of the year.
Council member Bill moved to amend the request to reduce the salary allocation to $28,875 for the current appropriation; Jessica seconded the amendment. The motion as amended set line 1 22 1 0 1 at $28,875 and contractual services (software) at $32,460, for a total appropriation of $61,335. After roll call the council approved the amended appropriation.
Supporters said the software and a compliance position would centralize grant tracking and reduce the risk of missing reporting deadlines. One council member noted department heads had pushed back on the concept of a single grant-writer and described the compliance deputy and software as a compromise that could help departments find revenue and keep up with audit reporting.
Opponents expressed concern about adding another position without clearer longer-term budget details. Council members also discussed that if the position is approved now for the remainder of the year, the full-year salary would need to be reflected in next year’s budget.
The council recorded the appropriation and amendment on the record; the motion carried following roll call.
