Delaware County reports staffing changes, CDL training and new in-house background checks; sheriff demonstrates new laptops

Human Resources Director Vicki Cossairt told the Delaware County Board of Commissioners on July 15 that the county currently employs 130 people, had five new hires since last week, two hires in process and seven open positions.

Cossairt said eight employees will begin county-paid commercial driver's license (CDL) training Saturday; the county requires those employees to remain employed for at least one year if they obtain the CDL. She said the county moved OLETS background checks in-house with approval from the sheriff, which saves the county about $20 per check. Cossairt also noted forthcoming 2026 legislation that she said will expunge very old court proceedings from records and announced the death of former Undersheriff Gayle Wells.

During public participation, Sheriff Ray Thomas said the sheriff's office will pay for inmate housing related to an item on the agenda and asked that no further action be taken on that point. Lt. Josh Bynum demonstrated one of the new GTech laptops the sheriff's office purchased on state contract, showing an integrated ID scanner and camera and explaining the devices have independent power so they do not rely on a patrol vehicle battery. The meeting record states the sheriff expects the laptops to reduce radio traffic with the 911 system.

County staff also described a virus infection on a commissioners' desktop. Kathy Parker said Kellpro swept the machine and advised a one-year protection subscription; the board approved purchasing the virus protection at $456 to be paid from the general government account.

No changes to county pay scales or detailed hiring timelines were recorded in the meeting minutes.