Commission authorizes contracted PIO services; staff to cap hours and include association membership

Walsh County commissioners on Sept. 16 approved contracting for public information services with Chris (contract PIO), authorizing an as-needed contract with a weekly cap and funding for a professional association membership.

Chris and staff described early deliverables including media outreach, drafting public communications and coordinating with department heads. Commissioners and staff agreed an hourly contract is the best fit while the county pilots the position; Christina said a budget figure for 2026 would be $20 per hour with a cap of up to 15 hours per week (a maximum annual cost of about $15,600 if fully used). She also asked the commission to include a modest allowance for PIO Association membership (about $100 annually) to support professional development.

Commissioners asked that Chris track hours and work product for transparency and budgeting; commissioners also noted the role may require more hours during high-profile projects such as the jail work or other events but that the pilot contract should limit county exposure. A motion to proceed with an hourly contract with the noted cap passed by roll call: Commissioners voted unanimously in favor.

Why it matters: Counties are increasingly using dedicated communications staff to manage public information, and a small pilot contract allows the county to assess value before considering a permanent, budgeted position.

Next steps: Staff will prepare the contract and budget entry for 2026; Chris will begin services under the contract schedule when the new budget year begins and will document hours monthly.