Commissioner Roundup: Bonuses, PIO, Lobbyist

Patch has compiled a roundup of recent discussions and decisions by the board of Carroll County Commissioners.

County Staff Bonuses

Employees of Carroll County government received a pleasant surprise this week when they learned they would be receiving a one-time $500 bonus.

According to Board President Doug Howard, close to $490,000 was paid out in bonuses to around 1,000 full-time and part-time employees. Howard said the funds were covered by money left in the budget from vacant positions. The money was already accounted for and no new costs were added to the budget he said.

In addition to the bonus, county employees will also enjoy two addtional days off over the holiday season.

"We have not been able to give raises in three years. We have a very dedicated workforce," Howard said. "This was a good opportunity to reflect the dedication of people taking on the extra work of those vacant positions."

Howard added that the commissioners are actively working to fill the vacant positions.

Assigning a County Public Information Officer

Earlier this month the commissioners decided to have the public relations and communications duties fulfilled by a staff member. According to Howard, they have several administrative employees who are helping with sending out press releases. He said that after the holidays they will look at assigning those duties to someone more permanently.

Moving Forward with Lobbyist

Howard said that PlanMaryland was only one issue that a lobbyist being hired by Carroll County and Allegheny County would be dealing with. Earlier this month Carroll's commissioners created a "strategic alliance" with three other Western counties--Allegheny, Washington and Frederick. The alliance hired two lobbyists to represent the needs and perspective of rural counties.

"The lobbyist is part of a long-term process. PlanMaryland was just the beginning," Howard said. "We have still have issues like the septic bill, the gas tax not being distributed evenly among counties and the implementation of PlanMaryland. There will be plenty of issues. We are moving forward with the lobbyist."