WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS REVIEW JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FIRE SERVICES DIRECTOR

  

Washington County Commissioners held a workshop this (Tuesday) morning to review a proposed job description for a fire services director.

The position is an adjusted version of the fire marshal position originally proposed earlier this year.  Human Resources Director Amber Skalka said the position acts as an “all-encompassing” role for fire and emergency management services.

The proposed job summary reads that the position “is responsible for the strategic direction, development, implementation, and oversight of comprehensive programs relating to fire safety, emergency preparedness, and non-law enforcement public safety.”  Additionally, the director “ensures compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and standards” and “serves as the primary liaison with fire departments, emergency responders, law enforcement, regulatory agencies, Commissioners, and the media.”

The listed pay range for the position is $79,843 - $119,764, dependent on qualifications. 

Several fire department officials were present for the workshop.  Brenham Fire Department Assistant Chief Stephen Draehn said the county fire chiefs met after the initial job description was released, and after an additional meeting with Skalka and Commissioners Misti Hartstack Corn and Dustin Majewski, they are “on the same page” regarding the nature of the position from a firefighting standpoint. 

Tim Hamff, Assistant Chief for the Rocky Creek Volunteer Fire Department and Public Information Officer for the Washington County Firefighters Association, said it is not like it was months ago where there was quite a bit of resistance from the fire departments, and that the position now is more in the form of what they originally envisioned it to be.

Commissioner Candice Bullock said this position is the culmination of conversations that have taken place over several years.  She said the county wants to make sure it is “doing this right” and acknowledged that its proper implementation will take the leadership of the fire departments to “move the ball down the field.”

No action was taken, but Skalka did say the position will go before the court next week for a vote.  If approved, the county would begin advertising the position with a goal of hiring for a January 1 start date. 

In regular session business, commissioners gave authorization to the county clerk’s office to advertise for requests for proposals for construction manager at risk services, pertaining to projects included in the Washington County Expo master plan.  The plan proposes additions such as a covered rodeo arena with associated warm-up pens and stalls, a new entry on Old Independence Road, a possible larger event center targeted in the long-term, drainage and utility updates, and repairs and maintenance.  It also accounts for the potential of a new judicial center and a secure inmate passage connecting to the jail.

PlanNorth Principal Architect Katie Burch said the construction manager at risk will provide input and expertise while plans are being designed.  Once the project is ready to go out for bid, the company will review what is submitted by subcontractors before the county signs a construction contract.  

The court also approved an interlocal agreement with My Government Online for asset management and permitting software.  County Engineer Wesley Stolz said the software will consolidate the county’s permitting processes from three different systems into one, which should make it easier for customers and staff.  The new system will cost $1,455 monthly once it goes live early next year.

Also at today’s meeting, commissioners:

• Read a proclamation declaring October 5-11 as Texas Extension Education Association Week in Washington County.  Representatives from the volunteer organization presented a check to commissioners in the amount of $90,657, representing both the monetary amount donated and the value of volunteer hours contributed by its members in the past year.
• Approved the 2026 pay schedule and holiday schedule.
• Approved a budget amendment in the amount of $22,500 for GovWorx Comm Coach compliance management software.
• Approved an oil and gas development permit for Magnolia Oil and Gas Operating, LCC near Bascome Lane in Precinct 4.
• Received the Human Resources Department’s quarterly report and the county clerk’s monthly report.
• Discussed a formal notice from Nextlink fiber cable installation within the county right-of-way of Mustang Road, Rhapsody Road, Daisy Lane, Heather Glen Street and Cheri Lane in Precinct 2.  No action was needed.

Commissioners will meet again on Friday for a workshop discussion related to the United States’ 250^th anniversary next year, as well as a strategic planning update with Strategic Government Resources.  The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. at the Washington County Courthouse.