In a recent meeting held on January 7, 2025, the Walla Walla County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) engaged in a lively discussion about staffing and budgetary concerns, particularly focusing on the Public Works Department and the recruitment of essential positions.

The meeting opened with a light-hearted exchange, where a new recruit shared his excitement about joining the county, highlighting the importance of attracting quality candidates in a competitive job market. This sentiment resonated throughout the meeting as officials acknowledged the pressing need for skilled personnel, particularly in engineering roles that have remained vacant for extended periods.

Interim Public Works Director Dan Mack presented a proposal to separate the roles of County Engineer and Public Works Director, arguing that the current combined position has deterred potential applicants. He emphasized that the County Engineer role is crucial for securing grant funding, which significantly offsets operational costs. The board discussed the necessity of adjusting the salary range for the County Engineer position to attract qualified candidates, noting that the current pay scale has not yielded any applications for nearly a year.

Commissioners expressed concerns about deviating from the recommendations of the Human Resources Compensation Committee (HRCC), which had set salary ranges for these positions. However, they acknowledged the unique challenges faced by Walla Walla County in competing with private sector salaries, particularly in engineering roles. The discussion highlighted the need for a strategic approach to recruitment, including potential sign-on bonuses or relocation assistance to entice candidates.

As the meeting progressed, the BOCC reviewed financial updates, revealing that the county had collected 95% of its budgeted revenue by the end of November 2024, with expenditures slightly exceeding the previous year. The financial outlook prompted discussions about the importance of maintaining fiscal responsibility while ensuring that critical positions are filled to support ongoing projects and community needs.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to split the Public Works and County Engineer positions, allowing for targeted recruitment efforts. The board directed staff to finalize job descriptions and salary ranges, setting the stage for a renewed focus on attracting talent to Walla Walla County's essential services.

Overall, the discussions underscored the county's commitment to addressing staffing challenges while balancing budgetary constraints, reflecting a proactive approach to governance in the new year.