County Board OKs 2 New Positions

Two new jobs – in IT support and water resources – were given initial approval by the Washtenaw County board of commissioners at their March 20, 2013 meeting. The items will be considered for final approval on April 3.

The water resource specialist will work in the county’s office of the water resources commissioner, Evan Pratt. The job is authorized at a salary range between $30,515 to $40,253. According to a staff memo, the position is needed due to heavy drain construction activity and an increase in soil erosion application inspections. The job is described as a revenue-generating position, bringing in an estimated additional $41,337 in each of the first three years, and a minimum of $15,000 annually after that. The staff memo indicates that the office has identified reductions within its budget to offset the increased cost of the position.

Commissioner Dan Smith (R-District 2) expressed hesitation to add to the county’s payroll, but said he understood the need in these cases. Pratt attended the March 20 meeting and spoke briefly, saying the construction activity is primarily in the city of Ann Arbor, which is paying for the work. He said he was sensitive to Smith’s concerns, but thought this was the most cost-effective way to proceed, by shifting some responsibilities elsewhere within his office. “We see it as budget neutral,” Pratt said.

The IT system support technician was authorized at a salary range between $37,464 to $52,355. According to a staff memo, the new position is needed to provide back-up for the IT help desk and other staff support. It will be funded from IT contracts and a structural reduction of $32,647 in the tech plan appropriation.

This brief was filed from the boardroom at the county administration building, 220 N. Main in Ann Arbor. A more detailed report will follow: [link]