MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Circuit Clerk Shelly Shocker asked the Berkeley County Commission to provide $10,650 to fully fund an 18th full-time position in her office, citing workload pressures after the addition of another magistrate and family court judge.

Shocker told the commission the amount covers salary and benefits: $9,976 for salary, approximately $7.63 for FICA (as read in the packet) and $9.97.50 for additional benefit lines; she also reported a small surplus of $1,087 in her current budget. She said the office has received higher-quality applicants after increasing pay and is under staffing pressure.

Commissioners responded with support and said the county contingency account can cover the request. One commissioner noted the request was minimal compared with duties that must be performed and praised Shocker's management of the office. The commission moved and seconded to honor the request and to hire the position; the motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.

What happens next: Finance staff will transfer funds from contingency and the circuit clerk's office will proceed with final hiring steps.