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Board reinstates administrator-controller assistant position after debate over December 2024 budget cuts
Summary
Commissioners voted to reinstate a full‑time executive assistant in the administrator-controller's office, reversing a prior cut but prompting objections from members who said other departments also lost staff last year; the motion passed 5–4.
Jackson County commissioners voted on Sept. 23 to reinstate an executive assistant position in the administrator-controller's office, approving a full‑time role that staff estimated would cost about $83,215.85 annually including benefits.
Commissioner Pulaski moved the measure and Commissioner Darius Williams seconded it. During debate several commissioners objected, saying the reinstatement would reverse only one of many cuts made during a December 2024 budget-balancing action and that other county departments also had staff reduced.
"If we're going to do this for one of the entities that received a cut in 12/03/2024, we need to bring this to the other entities within our county that also received cuts," Commissioner Bair said, naming the drain commissioner's office, facilities and IT, courts and sheriff as examples.
County staff explained the earlier $50,000 reduction reflected moving a position from full time to part time and later to vacancy; restoring a full‑time role requires additional funds because of benefits and full‑time salary. "The position that we reduced last year was part time... and then the position became vacant," a county official said in explanation.
The clerk called the roll on the motion to reinstate the position; the board recorded a 5–4 vote in favor and the chair declared the motion carried 5–4. Commissioners who opposed cited fiscal timing and priority concerns and asked that cuts to other departments be considered if restoration funds are available.
The board approved restoration without specifying a reallocation source in the meeting; staff will implement the reinstatement per the approved position request.
