WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS DISCUSS POSSIBLE RELOCATION OF SOME COUNTY OFFICES; WORKSHOP ON EMS, SPAY/NEUTER PROGRAM PLANNED THURSDAY

  

Several Washington County offices might be on the move.

During a workshop at today’s (Tuesday) county commissioners meeting, members of the court talked about the targeted late-May completion date for the records storage facility on Highway 105, formerly the ATS Irrigation building.  They also discussed the offices that could relocate there from the Washington County Courthouse Annex, as well as ones that could take their place at the annex building. 

Commissioner Dustin Majewski said early plans being considered are to move the auditor’s office and human resources department out of the annex to the new building.  Other positions could move there in the future, such as the to-be-hired fire services director.  Additionally, the elections office could move out of the courthouse into the courthouse annex. 

While there was no action, County Auditor Shawna Hollis, Human Resources Director Amber Skalka and Elections Administrator Carol Jackson each vocalized their support of the potential moves.  Hollis said her office’s responsibilities can often get “co-mingled” with the treasurer’s office, so this would help with separation of duties.  Skalka said the relocation would be beneficial for security and confidentiality, and Jackson said she would appreciate the improved safety when handling ballot boxes and elections equipment.

A separate workshop item regarding a potential spay/neuter program and budgeted tax dollars for the program was tabled.  The item will come back as part of a special called workshop on Thursday at 8 a.m., still at the Washington County Courthouse, and will also include discussion on the EMS department’s operations, programs, challenges, and associated funding.  No action will be taken.

Local resident Carol Collins is scheduled to speak at the workshop.  Collins recently donated $20,000 to the City of Brenham to fund spay/neuter procedures for pet owners in the county and urged the county to find ways to allocate money toward the program.