The Ways and Means Committee approved an administrative plan to swap space between the county clerk and treasurer offices and to connect the register of deeds and vital records offices by a passageway so staff can cross-train.

Clerk Diana Bosworth described the consolidation as a way to reduce operational strain: the county’s vital records and elections functions have been spread across multiple locations and the reconfiguration would allow the clerk’s office to cross-train personnel and keep services open when staff are absent. Bosworth said the change would enable her to eliminate one chief deputy position (consolidating supervision under a single chief deputy for deeds and vital records) and allow the election director to focus on elections operations.

Treasurer Darris Reinette said the relocation was feasible for his office and that staff were willing to move to support efficiencies. Facilities Director Chad Powers estimated in-house work to complete the move would cost between $3,000 and $5,000 and said the line items can be handled without a budget amendment. The committee voted to authorize the move and to direct facilities to perform the work.