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Washington County department heads present staffing and equipment needs at budget workshop
Summary
Department heads at Washington County’s Jan. 22 budget workshop outlined requests including a part‑time HR support for Finance, Senior Center vehicle and computer replacements, DSS server and vehicle funding, and a Soil & Water proposal for debris‑management equipment; commissioners asked staff for follow-ups.
Washington County department heads laid out staffing, equipment and software requests during a recessed budget workshop on Jan. 22, 2024, as the Board of Commissioners and county staff prepared next year’s spending plan.
Finance Officer Missy Dixon told commissioners the Finance Department needs office painting, some new furniture and a part‑time human‑resources support position to help with payroll and benefits administration; she said the role would likely be two days per week but that she would refine the hours and salary. County Manager and County Attorney Curtis Potter and Assistant County Manager Jason Squires discussed whether routine work could be contracted out but cautioned that the county’s payroll across departments is complex and may require in‑house help.
Senior Center Director Renee' Collier requested changes to the fee schedule for new programs and additional operating funds: a larger supplies budget (the center now provides printing for other departments), new computers that are still running Windows 7, a replacement van (the center is currently using a vehicle provided by the Department of Social Services) and an increased training line. Chair Ann C. Keyes and multiple commissioners voiced support and asked Collier to engage area churches on outreach efforts.
Social Services officials said several near‑term costs will require consideration in the budget. Deputy Director Lynn Swett and Director Clifton Hardison said server maintenance and security support contract runs out in May 2024 and presented a Dell quote of about $9,300 plus software (roughly $10,000 total) with an estimated 50% reimbursement. They also listed a $28,000 vehicle replacement that may be 50% reimbursable, a potential need to convert a position to support Medicaid expansion, and relayed an inquiry from Hyde County DSS about a facility in Engelhard and a possible consortium contribution of $35,000 per year; Washington County was not being asked for funds immediately, officials said, and discussion on participation would be required.
Soil & Water Technician Chris Respess said most of his grants are reimbursement grants and requested conversion of a part‑time administrative position to full time (he had budgeted $13,000 for part‑time help but has encountered hiring difficulties). He also described a longer‑term proposal to budget for maintenance of debris‑management equipment that grants could purchase in the future.
Tax Administrator Sherri Wilkins reported two new hires in December 2023 and said the office plans to go live with new tax software in September, with IT support relocating office space to accommodate staff. Wilkins also said she would follow up on an inquiry from the Albemarle Solar project about farmland data the company requested.
Facilities Supervisor Ricky Young described progress on an airport remodeling project and raised concerns about the courthouse courtroom roof, noting multiple holes that need inspection and repair. Commissioners asked staff to assess whether a metal shelter could be placed on the Creswell EMS lot to protect ambulances in winter weather.
IT Director Darlene Fikes outlined a planned Keystone migration for the Tax Office in September, a VOIP installation scheduled Jan. 31, 2024, and said she was being moved to a basement office despite concerns about humidity and the feasibility of rewiring the courthouse with CAT5; she also noted her planned retirement in five to six years and that finding a successor will be difficult.
Cooperative Extension Director Rebecca Liverman showed a Citizen’s Academy video and a SWOT analysis, and asked that a travel line be kept given vehicle constraints last year. Commissioner John C. Spruill asked staff to research options for public beach access in Washington County.
Two procedural motions were recorded during the workshop: Commissioner Julius Walker moved to recess to 1:00 p.m., seconded by Commissioner John C. Spruill; and Commissioner Carol V. Phelps moved to adjourn at the meeting’s close, also seconded by Spruill. Both motions carried unanimously.
The county manager and department heads were asked to return refined cost estimates and staffing details for commissioners to review as the formal budget process continues.
