Pittsylvania County staff ask to convert part‑time code officer to full‑time, citing backlog and funding from vacancy savings

County community development staff briefed the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 18 about code enforcement trends and a staffing request to strengthen enforcement capacity.

Staff described the county’s current complaint‑driven approach, the most common violations (campers, inoperable vehicles, excessive trash, and unauthorized dwellings) and the effort needed to document violations for possible legal escalation. Staff said the department has operated with a vacant part‑time code enforcement slot since June and that scheduled interviews in October produced no applicants.

The staff presentation asked the board to upgrade the existing part‑time code enforcement role to a full‑time position effective Jan. 1, 2026, and said vacancy savings in the community development budget could fund the upgrade for the current fiscal year. “We do already have the funding available, through vacancy savings in the community development department to fund this position upgrade,” a staff member said. Staff argued a full‑time officer would allow the county to reduce backlog, pursue escalations where necessary and eventually move from reactive complaint handling toward proactive patrols.

Board members generally expressed support but debated timing: several supervisors said they prefer not to add personnel mid‑year and suggested waiting until the regular budget cycle, while others argued that vacancy savings make an immediate hire feasible and urged staff to begin advertising. The chair asked staff to draft a motion for the next business meeting to place the item on the consent/business agenda for formal action.

No formal hiring decision or vote occurred at the work session; the board instructed staff to prepare a motion for action in the business meeting.