Madison County narrows staffing additions: permit technician kept, PRA conversion scaled back to 30 hours, IT position retained

Madison County supervisors reviewed four proposed personnel changes and asked staff to hold or modify several requests as part of the FY26 budget discussion.

This matters because personnel changes affect recurring operating costs and the county’s ability to stay above its fund‑balance target while providing basic services.

Staff presented four positions under consideration: a building/zoning permit technician (vacant), an IT position to replace a promoted employee, a conversion of a Parks & Recreation part‑time administrative post to full time (PRA conversion), and a part‑time animal‑shelter role. Supervisors and staff discussed workload, market pay, certification needs and how fringe benefits drive total budget impact.

Key directions from the board: - Permit technician: Board members emphasized the workload in building and zoning and instructed staff to retain the position. They recommended recruiting at a lower entry point (mid‑$40,000 range) if a candidate lacks certifications; staff said the grade allows a range and certifications warrant additional pay. - IT position: The board directed staff to keep the IT hire given ongoing enterprise projects (ERP/Laserfiche/Avenity), servers and radio/911 maintenance; members said IT capacity is critical and not appropriate for cuts. - Parks & Recreation administrative position (PRA): Supervisors agreed to convert the PRA position to a 30‑hour post instead of full‑time, which reduces costs and limits a jump into full county payroll benefit costs; staff noted that some administrative responsibilities would transfer to finance, HR and accounts‑payable functions after the merger. - Animal shelter part‑time: The board recommended postponing filling the 16‑hour animal‑shelter position and reassessing hours/market availability.

Staff provided clarifications about fringe calculations, noting that family health‑insurance cost assumptions and VRS (retirement) contributions materially change total employer cost. Board members instructed staff to place $20,000 into contingency to offset a reduced salary assumption on the building‑permit tech if the board decides to recruit at a lower step.

Ending: Staff will adjust the personnel budget per the board’s direction—retain the IT position; recruit the permit technician at a reduced salary band if appropriate and place $20,000 in contingency; convert the PRA role to 30 hours; and defer hiring for the animal shelter position. Those changes will be reflected in the updated budget model for the public hearings.