Ways & Means approves new paralegal, temporary office aide and July increments

The Allegany County Ways & Means Committee on June 10 approved several personnel actions, including creating a full-time paralegal position in the County Attorney’s Office, filling a temporary Office Aide in Economic Development and processing scheduled July increment increases for eligible employees.

County Attorney Allison Carrow requested creation and filling of a full-time Paralegal (Non-Union, Grade II). The county estimated the position’s annual salary at $51,050–$77,200 with associated benefits of $22,518–$34,053; the position is funded 100 percent by County funds and will be covered for the remainder of 2026 using excess payroll funds. Carrow said the office has had difficulty attracting attorneys and lost a secretary; Human Resources updated the position requirements and the committee urged targeted recruitment, including outreach to paralegal programs.

Director of Economic Development Ashley Smith received permission to fill one temporary full-time Office Aide position (approximately 320 hours; estimated pay $5,120–$5,760), funded entirely by County funds.

Personnel Officer H. Robert Budinger requested permission to process increment increases for employees eligible beginning July 1, 2026, per Resolution No. 1-69. The committee reviewed a detailed list of affected positions across multiple departments (Health, Social Services, Public Works, Office for the Aging, Sheriff’s Office and others) and approved the request. A resolution and notifications to Human Resources will follow.

All requests were approved on committee motions and will be prepared as resolutions for the full Board to create, fill or process the actions as required.