Commissioners back steps toward countywide parks and recreation leadership; manager to prepare job description and budget
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Summary
After extended debate, the board directed county staff to produce a recreation director job description, salary range and operating budget; commissioners discussed creating a Halifax County Parks and Recreation Department and some agreed action steps were recorded.
The Board of Commissioners moved to take the next steps toward establishing countywide parks and recreation leadership after lengthy public comment and debate about services in the western part of Halifax County.
Commissioner Redden and others urged the board to create a formal county Parks and Recreation Department and to hire a full-time director. Commissioners cited the 2014 county recreation master plan and called for more accessible recreation programs across the county, including for youth, adults and older residents. Several residents and department leaders — including Beth Burchell, director of NC Cooperative Extension’s Halifax County Center — described existing programs (4‑H, summer camps, community gardens) and urged coordinated county leadership.
Faced with differing views about timing and cost, the board adopted a two-step approach. Commissioners asked County Manager Dia Denton and HR to prepare a formal job description, a recommended pay grade/salary range, and a basic operating budget for a recreation director plus minimal initial support staff. Commissioners Webb and others specified that staff should include an estimate for at least one administrative support role and possible office location; the motion passed with a recorded second motion approving the county manager’s task to assemble a position description and budget (vote recorded 4–2).
Earlier in the discussion a separate motion to authorize the creation of a full-time recreation director and a department was made; the transcript shows that motion was proposed and discussed. The board proceeded to direct staff to produce the required job description and cost estimates so commissioners could evaluate implementation during upcoming budget deliberations.
Deputy staff and community partners said they are ready to assist with program design and recommended phased implementation so the county can pilot activities, secure grants and spread operating costs. County Manager Denton said staff will return with the requested position description, recommended salary grade and preliminary operating budget for the board to consider in the current budget cycle.
