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Commissioners defend employee pay increases and consider moving treasurer, clerk services to HHS building
Summary
Commissioners discussed possible reuse of the HHS building to house treasurer and clerk satellite services, concerns about underused nonprofit office space there, and defended recent cost‑of‑living increases for county staff as necessary to retain employees.
Commissioner Richards reported on a tour of the HHS building in North Springs as a potential location for the treasurer’s and clerk’s satellite services to reduce travel burdens on residents in the eastern and northern parts of the county. He said some nonprofits occupying free office suites in the building have limited staff and underutilize the space, and recommended a review of current occupants, the services they provide and whether the county should reallocate that space to statutory functions.
Richards also addressed criticism on social media about recent employee cost‑of‑living raises, saying, “I will not apologize for trying to provide the employees of Sweetwater County a competitive wage commensurate with the work they do for the people of Sweetwater County.” He said the county has reduced its workforce footprint, consolidated and streamlined operations to make raises affordable and that the county will prioritize statutory nondiscretionary functions when revenue is tight.
Commissioners said they will continue to evaluate space usage in the HHS building and consider recommended options before making staffing or occupancy changes; no formal decision was made at the meeting.
