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Debate over new Public Information Officer role: court adds travel line, questions vehicle and timing
Summary
Commissioners debated a budgeted Public Information Officer (proposed cost ~ $106,000) and whether to include a vehicle; the court decided to add a $2,500 travel line as a starting point and asked staff to consider training and office placement before final action.
The court reviewed a proposed Public Information Officer (PIO) position included in the draft budget with an approximate cost shown in the packet (~$106,000). Some commissioners said the position should be deferred to a new judge in 2027; others argued a PIO is needed now to respond to voluminous public records and to coordinate emergency messaging.
Commissioners debated whether to purchase a vehicle for the position or instead include a travel/reimbursement line. After discussion the court agreed to include a $2,500 travel line for the PIO to start, and directed staff to develop a travel/mileage reimbursement process and to outline necessary equipment (computer, phone) and office location options. Staff noted PIO training is available through emergency-management channels.
The item remains in the budget discussion; the court did not vote to hire the position at this meeting but recorded direction on the travel allowance and asked for clearer cost details to be added to the next budget packet.
