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Covington County approves three‑month trial reorganization of engineering department staffing
Summary
The Covington County Commission on May 12 approved a temporary restructuring of the engineering department to add two supervisors (paved road & dirt road), more foremen and flaggers, and to run the changes on a three‑month trial to evaluate effectiveness and cost.
Covington County commissioners voted May 12 to approve a temporary reorganization of the county engineering department that adds a paved-road-and-bridge supervisor, a dirt-road supervisor, more foremen and additional flaggers.
The change, presented by Derek from the engineering department, is intended to address staffing shortages and improve local management of road work. Derek said the proposal would divide crews geographically and create clearer supervisory lines: "the north and west would actually be... district four and district two" and supervisors would coordinate crews that can perform both paved and dirt work as needed.
Commissioners pressed for operational detail and coverage. Commissioner Lynn said the county needs a clear point of contact for road issues and urged a practical approach: "Give us one person," she said, stressing that constituents need a reliable official to call when problems arise. Other commissioners questioned whether two supervisors would be sufficient to handle roughly 400 miles of dirt roads and requested a follow-up briefing with engineering staff.
After brief recess for a staff briefing, the board reconvened and voted to adopt the manning-chart changes on a three‑month trial basis, giving staff time to implement the structure, monitor performance, and return with any recommended adjustments. Commissioner Ben moved to approve the chart as presented; Commissioner Tommy seconded and the motion carried with no opposition.
The commission said the trial period will allow the county to assess fiscal impact, hiring needs and whether additional modifications — including title changes and pay-plan alignment — are necessary. Derek and staff will provide follow-up information to the commission as the trial proceeds.
What's next: Staff will implement the temporary reorganization, begin hiring to fill identified positions as needed, and report back to the commission at or before the end of the three‑month trial period.
