The Skamania County Board of Commissioners voted to reinstate and fill a deputy clerk position in the criminal court clerk series, approving a promotion for a current employee.

A county staff member (court administration) told commissioners the position is not new but is a promotion into an established classification; the commissioners had removed the slot in the prior budget year when a qualified employee was not available. The staff member said a current employee is training for the higher level and that the fiscal impact for the remainder of the year is approximately $2,130.

During discussion the staff member explained the county currently splits the chief deputy salary across grant and current expense accounts to reduce the immediate impact on the general fund. The staff member cautioned that the grant funds used to offset salaries—similar to SRS funds—are not guaranteed long term and the county would address future funding if and when the grants change.

A motion to approve reinstating the deputy clerk criminal court clerk 2 position was made, seconded and carried on a recorded voice vote; no roll-call tally was provided during the meeting. Commissioners said they supported opportunities for internal promotion and career progression and asked staff to monitor fund sources in future budget cycles.

The board did not amend the budget beyond acknowledging the near-term fiscal impact; staff said they would manage the short-term difference through existing grant-offload arrangements and report back if supplemental appropriation becomes necessary.