Commission approves solicitor seasonal hire, Lee Washam appointment and magistrate deputy-clerk hire

During its May 6 meeting the Troup County Board of Commissioners approved several personnel and appointment items: a part-time seasonal position for the solicitor's office, the appointment of Lee Washam to the Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning Commission, and the hiring of a deputy clerk for magistrate court.

County staff said the solicitor's office had more applicants and work than could be absorbed by its existing intern program and recommended a part-time seasonal hire; the board approved the position by motion. Valerie presented a single appointment: "I'd like to present, the slate of appointments for today," and the board approved Mr. Lee Washam to fill a vacant seat on the board of zoning appeals and planning commission.

On a previously added agenda item, the magistrate judge described the day-to-day workload of magistrate court, said the office frequently handles high volumes of paperwork and public interactions, and asked for a deputy clerk position. The judge discussed lateral-transfer possibilities and said starting pay would be about "$16 and something, an hour," and commissioners approved the hire. The judge also noted staffing pressures during recent absences and emphasized the practical demands of the office.