The Washington County Board of Supervisors voted July 10 to forward a request to change a vacant account clerk position into a newly created Real Property Tax Clerk (grade 10) to the county finance committee for further review.

The measure would remove a currently vacant account clerk line and add a grade‑10 real property tax clerk to the county’s title‑by‑grade schedule. County staff told supervisors the account‑clerk title no longer matched the duties being performed in the real property office and that the reclassification was intended to help recruit and retain qualified candidates.

Board members said they support filling the vacancy if the duties warrant it but pressed staff on the timing and budget effects. Several supervisors warned that approving midyear staffing upgrades effectively grows next year’s budget and could force more severe cuts later. One supervisor said the county is “growing next year’s budget today” by adding positions during the fiscal year; another suggested consolidating changes until the regular budget process.

County staff said the position is vacant and that the department has been using part‑time and temporary caseworkers or reassigning duties while recruitment continues. Supervisors noted the county has sometimes rehired former employees on a temporary basis and that availability of experienced candidates varies.

After discussion the board moved the request to the finance committee so members there can review salary impact and funding sources before final approval. The motion to refer was seconded and carried.

The board also considered a separate staffing change in an alternative‑centers program: removing a senior program specialist and backfilling at a lower program specialist level following a retirement. That item was moved forward to personnel (and finance where required) and was described by staff as a net savings for the county.

Why it matters: Reclassifying vacant positions and changing pay grades affects recruitment, payroll commitments and the county’s upcoming budget. Supervisors said they want fuller financial detail before authorizing permanent title or grade changes.

What’s next: Finance staff will analyze the proposed real‑property grade change, including salary cost and the funding source, then return with a recommendation to the board.