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Rockingham commissioners approve pay‑study phase 2 and short‑term DSS staffing measures

Mixed: Local business interviews, chamber program, town councils, Rockingham County Board of Commissioners, Rockingham County Schools and other civic bodies · December 26, 2025

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Summary

Commissioners approved phase two of a countywide compensation study and authorized immediate staffing additions and temporary overtime arrangements for Department of Social Services to address high caseloads in child-protective services.

Rockingham County commissioners voted to implement the second phase of a countywide compensation study and to authorize short‑term staffing measures in the Department of Social Services (DSS) aimed at reducing critical caseload pressure.

What commissioners approved: The board accepted market‑based grade adjustments recommended by Piedmont Triad Regional Council and staff proposals for service‑recognition payments. The county manager was authorized to make implementation adjustments as needed.

Why it matters: Assistant county manager Derek Southern and staff reported that DSS caseloads have risen from roughly 120 children in care earlier to more than 175, while supervisors and program managers are currently carrying caseloads in addition to managerial duties. Southern said the county is currently averaging about 15.7 cases per worker and aims to approach prior benchmarks near 10 cases per worker.

Staffing request and cost: County staff asked for an emergency package to add two social workers, two social‑service technicians to handle mandated transportation and court‑related travel, and one administrative position. The total estimated annual cost is roughly $325,000; the county expects about 50% state reimbursement, leaving a projected county share of roughly $162,000 per year. Commissioners approved the implementation and asked for a more detailed staffing update during the upcoming budget process.

Public comment and controversy: During the meeting, a public commenter accused a commissioner of a conflict of interest related to airport and school contracts; the commissioner replied that school and airport boards are independent entities and rejected the allegation.

Next steps: Staff will return during the FY 2026 budget process with detailed staffing and space plans; the county will begin implementing immediate relief measures for supervisors and assess longer-term hiring and facilities needs.