The Montgomery County planning director updated the Planning Commission on staffing changes, software conversion and recent transportation funding during the Nov. 19 meeting.

The director said the Public Service Authority has become a county department with employees now county staff while the Board of Supervisors continues to serve as the PSA board. Justin Shepherd was introduced as the new utilities director. The director announced Cody Andrews was promoted to GIS manager effective Nov. 16 after having served as the senior GIS analyst following Michael Sutherland’s retirement.

On transportation, staff credited Dr. Smoot with securing the second phase of funding for Reiner Road (Route 8) through the Highway Safety Improvements Program; the project will extend from the village of Reiner toward Floyd County. Staff also said an RFP for transportation on-call consultants is open; current consultants have been extended through May while staff evaluates proposals and conducts interviews to select firms for the next five-year cycle.

Staff described a pending software conversion to OpenGov, with implementation targeted for Jan. 5. The director said the platform will let applicants submit combined, concurrent permit applications online so reviews can run concurrently and applicants will not need to visit multiple county offices during the development review process.

Finally, staff reminded the commission that the department will submit its proposed budget on Dec. 12 and that the Dec. 10 meeting will feature the first comprehensive plan work session with draft documents provided in advance; staff said plan adoption is targeted for March or April and will include work sessions with the Board of Supervisors and subsequent public hearings.

Quotes in the meeting emphasized efficiency goals for permitting and staff enthusiasm for the OpenGov rollout, and staff encouraged commissioners to review materials ahead of the comprehensive plan sessions.