Personnel committee to consider county spokesperson job
By Don Del Rosso
The county government finance committee last week backed a proposal to create Fauquier's first public information officer's position.
It referred to the county personnel committee, which will consider the matter during its May 26 meeting.
Supervisors Ray Graham (Cedar Run District) and Terry Nyhous (Center District) serve on the finance committee.
They believe county government needs a public information officer to more widely circulate information about its activities.
Specifically, Nyhous and Graham want a public information officer to promote the financial benefits of a meals and beverage tax, which would generate about $2 million annually, according to the commissioner of revenue.
Voters would have to approve the levy in a referendum.
The supervisors want to put the issue on the November general election ballot.
Nyhous and Graham also believe a public information officer could be put to good use in highlighting Fauquier's 250th anniversary festivities.
Day-long activities, including a Main Street parade in Warrenton, will take place on May 1, 2009.
Nyhous and Graham believe $40,000 for salary and benefits and $10,000 for expenses should be appropriated for the 20-hour per week job.
Supervisors Chester Stribling (Lee District) and Holder Trumbo (Scott District) serve on the personnel committee.
Stribling opposes creating a county spokesperson's job because he cannot justify the expense, given Fauquier's financial problems.
Trumbo has said he "tentatively" backs the concept but wants to learn more about it.
If the personnel committee forwards the proposal to the board, it would require the support of three supervisors to create the job.