Tazewell Board approves DHCD flood-relief MOU and temporary pay supplements for program staff
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Summary
Supervisors approved an MOU to administer state flood-relief funds for Hurricane Helene and the February winter storm and authorized temporary monthly salary supplements for three county employees administering the program.
The Tazewell County Board of Supervisors voted June 3 to approve a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to administer the individual flood-relief program related to Hurricane Helene and the February winter storms. The board also approved temporary salary supplements for county staff who will run the program.
The motion, made after the board returned from executive session, authorized the county to administer DHCD funds that are intended for individual flood victims and to recover administrative costs through the DHCD budget. As part of the approval, the board authorized temporary monthly supplements beginning July 1, 2025, for three employees who will assume additional duties during the program's administration: Tanya Mullins, grant coordinator, $600 per month; Susan Jewell, paralegal, $400 per month; and Virginia Dawson, assistant emergency management coordinator, $1,000 per month.
County staff said the supplements will be recouped from DHCD program funds as part of the administrative reimbursement. County staff estimated the program could receive roughly 250 applications but could see more. "These salary supplements should be recouped through that grant program," a county staff member said during the meeting. Board members approved the MOU and the temporary pay increases by roll call; the motion carried without recorded opposition.
The board also received brief remarks praising staff for FEMA and VDEM claim work and noted the temporary supplements were intended to cover duties outside the employees' usual responsibilities, including title searches and additional processing work for the flood-relief program.
The MOU and staffing changes are intended to expedite applicant processing for homeowners who suffered flood damage in the two named events. County staff told the board they will monitor application counts and adjust as needed; any additional staffing or budgetary changes would be returned to the board for approval.