Finney County to create communications and engagement position; hire now using clerk's budget

The Finney County Board of Commissioners authorized the immediate creation of a communications and engagement position and approved funding it from remaining intern funds in the 2025 county clerk budget, with the position already budgeted as full-time in the proposed 2026 budget.

County Clerk Doree Munyon told commissioners the entry-level position would centralize public information, manage public information campaigns, support community and employee engagement, promote county programs and strengthen the county’s brand. Munyon said the role would build on work currently done by a halftime employee and would be advertised; Munyon and Interim Administrator Gary Meager will conduct interviews.

Munyon said the position exists in the proposed 2026 budget as full-time but requested the commission allow hiring now using available 2025 funds so the county can continue recent public information work and support upcoming outreach related to a proposed half-cent sales tax. Interim Administrator Gary Meager confirmed the county has adequate funds under cash-basis rules to hire the position in 2025.

Commissioners discussed future organizational placement of the role. Munyon said the new administrator, once hired, could determine the long-term assignment and whether the position remains in the clerk’s office.

After discussion the commission voted to create the communications and engagement position in 2025 and to fund it from the county clerk budget. The board directed Munyon and Meager to advertise the position and to conduct interviews.