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County unveils volunteer portal and directs staff to boost advisory-board recruitment
Summary
Alachua County officials reviewed a report showing 89 advisory-board vacancies, demoed a new volunteer portal that centralizes applications and hour tracking, and approved a four-part staff directive to expand outreach, review hard-to-fill seats, and plan an annual volunteer recognition event.
The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday heard staff present a plan to increase participation on the county’s advisory boards and recognized a need to fill 89 vacancies across roughly 40 boards. Gina Peebles, assistant county manager and chief of staff, told the board the county has a publicly available advisory-board webpage that lists openings and allows applicants to apply online.
Peebles said the county’s advisory boards account for about 207 citizens serving at present and that vacancies fluctuate as members move or leave. "Back in June, the Board directed staff to bring back a discussion on ways to thank our citizens for their service and look at ways to increase diversity and participation," Peebles said.
Staff demonstrated a new volunteer portal designed to centralize volunteer opportunities, match applicants to roles and let liaisons track volunteer hours for recognition. A county technologist showed how applicants build profiles, register for opportunities and download a volunteer "resume." Staff said the portal currently lists approximately 21 volunteer opportunities across six programs and can save waivers and certificates.
Commissioners pressed on accessibility and transparency: several asked that the portal make clear that application materials are public records and that manual application options remain for residents without internet access. Diana Johnson of the county attorney’s office said submissions would be public records but would be reviewed for confidential exemptions when appropriate.
After discussion and public comment, the board approved a four-part motion directing staff to develop a recruitment action plan with communications support, review advisory-board composition and diversity, plan an annual volunteer/appreciation luncheon, and reevaluate ordinances that create hard-to-fill seats. The motion was unanimously approved.
