Commissioners keep county public information officer in FY12 budget after debate

St. Mary's County commissioners agreed by general consensus during the May 23 budget work session to retain a county public information officer position in the proposed fiscal year 2012 budget rather than remove the contracted position.

The topic emerged during committee review of personnel and contracted services. Commissioner Todd B. Morgan said he favored keeping a PIO: “I think we need a PIO position. I think it's very important to County Government,” he told the panel. Other commissioners agreed a PIO role helped ensure consistency and a single point of contact for the public and press.

Some commissioners urged consolidation with other local public information offices, such as the school system and sheriff’s office, arguing that a single consolidated PIO might save costs and reduce duplication. Commissioner Jones said she would support consolidation if the school and sheriff’s departments agreed to funnel releases through one county point of contact.

Acting County Administrator Sue Sabo and staff did not bring a formal motion; instead the chair noted a consensus to proceed with the PIO position “as we have it now.” County staff will proceed with the FY12 personnel schedules reflecting that position.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to track positions, FTE changes and confirm whether other agencies’ PIOs could be consolidated in future budget cycles; no formal vote was taken.