Court approves combining deputy emergency management coordinator and floodplain manager despite concerns about advertising and qualifications

The Commissioners Court approved on July 1 a reclassification that combines two existing positions ' deputy emergency management coordinator and floodplain manager/permit specialist ' into a single exempt position titled Deputy EMC/Floodplain Manager Permit Specialist (Grade 112). The motion passed 4-1.

During the personnel discussion, several commissioners asked whether the combined position had been advertised internally or externally to ensure the county hired the most qualified candidate. Norma (department representative) and other staff said the candidate selected was known to be qualified and that the appointment reflects an internal promotion/transfer process. One commissioner expressed concern that not advertising the vacancy publicly could expose the county to an Equal Employment Opportunity complaint.

Commissioners also discussed the position's qualifications and pay. Speakers noted the market range for similar positions can run from roughly $85,000 to $126,000 annually. The personnel packet showed a transfer for Susan Boutwell from Floodplain Permit Specialist (nonexempt grade 110 step 5-plus at $5,265.94 per month) to the combined exempt position (grade 112 step 3-plus at $5,002.91 per month), and the elected official requested adjustment to step 6-plus at $6,250 per month; the final pay step and administrative adjustments following the reclassification were left to Human Resources to implement in compliance with court direction.

Commissioner Sikorski moved to approve the reclassification; the motion was seconded and passed with four yeas and one nay. Commissioners who opposed the change cited procedural concerns about recruitment and transparency; those in favor cited internal knowledge of candidate qualifications and county staffing needs.