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HR committee recommends reclassifying vacant fire marshal role to public information manager, votes 4-0
Summary
The Williamson County HR committee voted 4-0 to recommend reclassifying a vacant fire marshal position into a public information manager role to centralize communications; the position would be a grade 24 with a budgeted midpoint near $120,000.
The Williamson County Human Resources Committee voted 4-0 to recommend reclassifying a vacant position labeled for a fire marshal into a public information manager role, committee members said.
The committee’s chair opened the discussion and asked for details about the request, which the transcript identifies as coming from "Mr. Marks." The transcript does not provide Mr. Marks's first name or an official title; his remarks were attributed in the meeting as recorded.
Mr. Marks told the committee the reclassification is intended to "modernize our communications" and to improve coordination "from the mayor's office, with all departments and to the citizens." He said many communications tasks had fallen to the chief of staff and that the new position would spread those responsibilities as long‑tenured staff depart.
A county staff member explained the proposed classification would be grade 24. "The minimum starting pay rate would be $100,917," the staff member said, and the budget is planned at a midpoint of about $120,000 so the county can hire nondiscriminatorily and pay experienced candidates without needing additional supplemental funding.
A committee member provided background: the county commission had approved a fire marshal position several years earlier but the county never filled it. The member said this request seeks to repurpose that existing, unfilled allocation rather than add a new headcount and to create a clear paper trail before any potential incoming mayor takes office.
Committee members asked about priorities for the role; Mr. Marks said the post would handle "communication and improvement in our websites and things" and would coordinate unified messaging across departments so information is easier for residents to find.
The HR committee made a formal recommendation to move forward with the reclassification paperwork and to combine existing funds as needed. A committee member moved "to recommend to change the classification," the motion was seconded and the chair called for a vote. The motion passed by a 4-0 vote.
The committee concluded with no further business and adjourned. The recommendation will be forwarded as the next procedural step for administrative implementation and any subsequent approvals required by county process.
