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Mason County staff ask commissioners to make part‑time noxious‑weed post full time to expand public outreach
Summary
County staff briefed commissioners on expanding the noxious‑weed program from 0.5 FTE to 1.0 FTE, citing public education, early detection and retention benefits and asking that the extra $27,370 for benefits be considered in next year’s budget.
Mason County officials on Tuesday asked the Board of County Commissioners to include funding next year to convert the county’s half‑time noxious‑weed specialist into a full‑time position to increase outreach and early detection work.
The request came during a briefing to the commission on the County’s noxious‑weed program. “The noxious weed program is designed to ensure that the county and its citizens are protected against the degrading impacts of noxious weeds in the community,” a county staff member said, describing survey, notification and landowner assistance work tied to state law.
The county’s presenter said the program currently operates with a 0.5 full‑time equivalent (FTE) position and relies on project grants that send staff to Forest Service and state park lands. That model leaves limited time for door‑to‑door surveys, regular educational site visits and public relationship building, the presenter said. The department estimates the incremental cost to convert the existing 0.5 FTE (benefits already budgeted) to a full 1.0 FTE is about $27,370 in additional benefits.
Heidi (identified in the briefing as the county’s Noxious Weed Coordinator) and other staff told commissioners that repeated contact from a single, year‑round employee would improve landowner trust, help retain seasonal workers and allow the county to work in parts of Mason County that currently receive little inspection because grant work focuses elsewhere. Staff described typical program activities — surveying, issuing notices to property owners, producing fact sheets, arranging educational site visits and, in some cases, assisting with control based on funding and control requirements.
Commissioners asked about alternatives, including shared funding with Public Works and grants or partnerships; staff said they would pursue those options while asking commissioners to consider the budget request during next year’s process. Commissioners did not take a formal vote but directed staff to continue the budget conversation and consult with Public Works and HR on costs and options.
The briefing also covered recruitment challenges for the county’s Noxious Weed Control Board, which state law requires include agricultural producers. Staff said two board seats are currently vacant and that recruiting producers in some regions of Mason County has been difficult.
Commissioners said they were open to continued conversation, including exploring shared funding with other county departments and possible grant support, and asked staff to return with more details during the budget cycle.
