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Delta County commissioners review administrator's goals, set budget timeline
Summary
At a July 22 Committee of the Whole meeting, Delta County administrators presented a set of fiscal-year 2026 goals emphasizing digital services, revenue optimization and employee retention; commissioners asked for measurable targets and were told a draft budget will be presented Aug. 19.
Delta County Administrator Miss DeSalvo presented a set of proposed goals and performance objectives tied to fiscal year 2026 during the Board of Commissioners’ Committee of the Whole meeting on July 22, saying the goals will guide department‑head meetings and the administration’s decisions for the coming year. "My plan right now is to present it at the August 19 meeting," she said about the budget schedule.
The goals, as outlined by the administrator, include reducing paper use and increasing digital service delivery; maximizing revenue and fiscal efficiency (including reviewing fee schedules and coordinating grant work); and improving employee work environment and retention. DeSalvo described steps such as using existing software more fully — including the county’s Ease system for onboarding documents — promoting quarterly department‑head meetings, and exploring options to consolidate grant work among existing staff rather than adding a new grant‑specialist position in the coming fiscal year.
Commissioners pressed for measurable targets and methods of monitoring progress. DeSalvo said she keeps logs of new processes, revenue changes and specific, achievable items (for example, switching accounts‑payable to ACH) that she can use to demonstrate goal completion. She also said some proposals, such as fully going paperless, are unlikely in the short term and that the emphasis will be on making better use of current systems and training employees to reduce paper when feasible. "I consider that part of the being more efficient, paperless," DeSalvo said.
On staffing, DeSalvo said the county is still recruiting a controller. Two scheduled interviewees withdrew before interviews; two additional applicants have applied, but one lacks the bachelor’s degree called for in the current job posting. She said the current job description more closely resembles a controller position but added that hiring someone with strong practical experience (even if they lack the degree) could be appropriate and would require review with personnel.
Commissioners also asked about employee input and retention. DeSalvo said she conducts regular conversations with department heads and encourages department‑level employee evaluations and pulse surveys; she said supervisors are the primary conduit for employee feedback but that her office is open to employees who wish to speak directly. "Retention. That's the biggest one," she said, citing the costs of turnover and training.
Other operational matters discussed included technology integration tradeoffs (ease of use versus vendor interoperability and long‑term license costs), updating fee schedules to reflect inflation and cost recovery, and accessibility for residents who might otherwise need to visit the courthouse in person. DeSalvo cited a recent example — courthouse construction and intermittent HVAC problems — as an impetus to improve digital access so residents do not need to navigate building access to transact county business.
The meeting recorded three procedural motions related to the agenda and meeting process: adoption of the agenda, a motion to set aside the normal rules to allow discussion of the goals, and the motion to adjourn. Each motion was approved during the meeting; roll call at the start showed five commissioners present.
Votes at a glance
Adopt agenda as presented — Approved (5 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain). Motion moved and seconded on the record; chair called the voice vote and declared the motion passed.
Set normal rules and discussion aside to discuss goals — Approved (5 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain). Motion moved on the record and passed by voice vote.
Adjourn — Approved (5 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain). Motion moved and seconded; voice vote approved.
The administrator said she will continue working on the draft fiscal‑year‑26 budget and aims to present a draft to the board on Aug. 19 for review before final action in September. She also said vendors will be asked to assess persistent HVAC zones in the courthouse after staff reported excessive heat in parts of the building.
