Tax commissioner asks commission to convert two part‑time tag slots into one full‑time job using new bank interest

Tax Commissioner J.P. LeMay asked the Athens‑Clarke County Commission on May 15 to approve combining two part‑time motor vehicle positions into one full‑time position with benefits, saying the change would improve training, retention and customer service at the county tag office.

LeMay said the tag office is currently authorized for part‑time positions that require specialized, time‑intensive knowledge and that a 20‑hour workweek “really just give[s] enough time for those employees to learn the position or maintain proficiency.” He told the commission three part‑time slots are being covered by two employees working a combined 60 hours a week, and that converting two part‑time slots into one full‑time slot would not eliminate personnel but would give 1 employee full‑time status and benefits.

LeMay said he had negotiated a change in the tag office’s bank accounts from the current bank to First American, which offered an interest rate of 1.7% versus roughly 0.05% currently. He estimated that motor‑vehicle account interest would increase from under $1,000 this year to about $25,000, and that the additional earnings would “more than enough to cover the additional costs of about $15,000” to provide benefits for the full‑time position. “Combining 2 of those part time positions in 1 full time position with benefits will make it a lot easier for us to properly train and retain quality staff,” LeMay said.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about current staffing levels and how the earned interest would be recorded. LeMay said the interest earnings would be turned over to county finance consistent with Georgia law and that the proposed offset would be applied to the general fund as part of the county’s revenue. He said the move should reduce training costs and improve service while remaining within budget control. The commission did not take a vote during the presentation; LeMay left the request for formal consideration during the budget process.

LeMay answered follow‑up questions about which part‑time slots are filled (he said four part‑time position slots exist and two employees currently cover three slots) and confirmed the conversion would grant benefits to one long‑tenured employee who has worked for about five years.

The commission’s next budget steps and whether it will accept LeMay’s proposed reallocation of earned interest to cover benefits remained undecided at the end of the session.