Commissioners approve hiring of GIS cartographer to replace retiring assessor staffer

Franklin County commissioners approved the assessor—s request on May 28 to hire a GIS cartographer to replace a long-serving staff member, with the assessor—s office planning an overlap period for training.

Why it matters: the assessor said the cartographer post provides mapping and surveying support that serves planning, public works and other county functions; the retiring employee has institutional knowledge that the county wants preserved through an overlap/training period.

Presentation. Administrator Brian Danzl introduced the assessor—s request and noted it had been recommended prior to the county hiring freeze. Assessor Rosenow (presenting staff) told the board the position is "a very difficult to find position" that requires GIS, cartography and survey-reading skills. Rosenow said training time was anticipated "at a minimum of 3 months and easily up to 5" depending on the new hire's qualifications and that the assessor's office had budgeted for the position.

Board action and context. Commissioner Baumann moved to approve the hire and commissioners voted yes by voice. County staff said the assessor—s office had previously budgeted and even saved funds in the prior year; Danzl reported the office turned back approximately $100,000 the prior year. Commissioners praised the retiring employee for 32–33 years of service and emphasized the need for overlap training to preserve institutional knowledge.

Next steps. Human Resources will post the position with recruitment language reflecting the specialized skills required; the assessor—s office will manage onboarding and a multi-month overlap to transfer unique, non-documented knowledge and procedures to the new hire.