York County approves part-time communications contractor to expand public outreach

The York County Board of Commissioners on May 16 approved a part-time public-relations contract with local contractor Melanie Wilkinson to produce content for the county's new website, social media accounts and local media outlets. The contract pays $250 per week and the board set May 28 as the proposed start date; either party may cancel with 30 days' notice.

Wilkinson, who identified herself during the discussion, said the work would include county press releases, social posts and coordination with the county's web developer to post photos, video and meeting information. "I report what happens, you know, as it is," she told the board, adding that she does not intend to editorialize or push an agenda.

Commissioners said the contract is intended to increase transparency and public awareness of county business, including election information, deadlines and department announcements. The chair and others emphasized the contractor would not cover court proceedings: "This would not be covering the court system," a commissioner said during the discussion.

The board discussed logistics including coordinating with the web developer and local radio and newspaper distribution. Commissioners noted the contract is not an employee position and that the county attorney's office drafted terms to permit a short trial period. The motion to extend the contract to Wilkinson was made, seconded and approved on a roll-call vote.

The contract is estimated as a modest line-item expense that could be funded from miscellaneous budget items for the remainder of the fiscal year and moved into the operating budget if continued next year. Implementation steps noted by the board include assigning administrative access for the contractor to county social accounts and establishing a workflow for press releases and department-submitted content.