Background: Yesterday, the Board of Commissioners received proposed legislation (attached) from the County Executive to create multiple new positions within the Executive Branch by transferring positions from Cedarbrook, our public nursing home and the County Jail.

The proposal increases the size of the County Executive Office by creating four new positions. (See attachments) For example, it creates a Chief of Staff, a position that was eliminated in 2014 and for the past two administrations spanning almost 12 years was deemed an unnecessary cost to taxpayers and political in nature. Other positions include a “Multimedia Specialist” emulating a structure similar to what you would see in a Governor’s office. The Governor’s office was used as an example by the Executive. Total cost to county taxpayers would be $386,556 per year in salaries and benefits.

The Executive has argued offsetting the cost of expanding his executive branch by eliminating eight existing frontline, though currently unfilled, positions at Cedarbrook, our public nursing home, and the County Jail. These include two Licensed Practical Nurses, three Certified Nursing Assistants, one Treatment Case Manager and two Corrections Officers.

“In passing former Executive Armstrong’s 2026 budget, our Board of Commissioners paid for Nurses, Caseworkers and Corrections Officers, not a Chief of Staff to do the Executive’s job or a Multimedia Specialist to create County TikTok videos,” said Beitler.

As of now, in its current form, the legislation has no Commissioner sponsor. A Commissioner who initially sponsored the proposal has since withdrawn. A sponsor is necessary for the legislation to move forward. As of now these new positions are unfunded by the board.

Of additional concern, the Executive has publicly announced and filled two of these roles using temporary authority. While this action may be legal, it is not permanent without Board approval. Under our Home Rule Charter, separation of powers between the Executive and the Board of Commissioners is intentional.

Information provided to TVL by:
Ron Beitler