Walla Walla County commissioners on Tuesday approved a hiring‑freeze exception to allow Assessor Byron Burris to fill a vacant commercial appraiser position that arose because of a retirement.

Commissioner Fulmer said burris had previewed the need and that the county had told the assessor that if the vacancy is filled by an internal move, the subsequent residential appraiser vacancy would likely remain frozen. Byron Burris is the elected Walla Walla County assessor and was present for the item. HR and risk manager Josh Griffith told the board the senior residential appraiser position will vacate in September when retirement paperwork takes effect and that the office already has a separate part‑time receptionist vacancy and a commercial appraiser vacancy.

Commissioner Clayton said she was comfortable approving the exception provided the assessor understood the implications for subsequent residential appraisal vacancies; the motion to approve the exception carried by voice vote.

The board recorded that the commercial appraiser opening is currently vacant and that filling it by internal promotion would create a residential appraisal opening later in the year; staff noted timing and internal recruitment options would follow normal HR posting and process requirements.