HOMER — The Banks County Commission lifted the county's hiring freeze Tuesday night to fill a vacant position in the tax assessors office.
New Chief Appraiser Guy Rogers told commissioners he wasn't asking for a new position, but rather to fill a position vacant since late 2008. That appraisal clerk position, he said, is critical for proper customer service.
He said currently assessors are having to stop work on personal property returns or homestead and conservation use to answer the office telephone or to serve the needs of walk-in visitors.
"It's a needed position, based on customer service," Rogers said.
Rogers said the office currently is under a directive from the board of assessors to get all work done in the same tax year, and filling the vacant position will help to ensure that happens.
Commissioner Charles Turk asked if Rogers could get by with a 25-hour-per-week employee, noting starting salary would be $29,100 plus insurance and other add-ons.
Turk said he'd been told for the past three years everything related to the assessors office was caught up, and recently learned it's not. He said he wasn't opposed to the position, but didn't want to over-staff the office.
"There's always stuff to organize, there's always stuff to scan, there's always customer service, so I'm asking for a full-time position," Rogers said. "But, to be honest with you, I'll take anything I can get — but a full-time position is what I'm asking for."
Commission Chairman Jimmy Hooper said he charged Rogers to evaluate the office and come to the county commission with recommendations.
"I think he's justified a full-time position," Hooper said.
Commissioner Danny Maxwell asked if there is money in the budget for the position for the remainder of this fiscal year, which ends June 30.
He was told a budget amendment for the department will be required.
Hooper made the motion to lift the hiring freeze to hire a full-time position in the tax assessors office. Commissioner David Duckett seconded, with all voting in favor.
