Board approves change in H&HS director jobs

Wahkiakum County commissioners on Tuesday approved a recommendation to modify the job descriptions of the leaders of the Health and Human Services Department for the next 18 months.

Director Judy Bright will go to part-time status, and Office Manager Chris Weiler will become assistant director.

Bright presented the proposal to the board of commissioners in a workshop last week, and the board approved it this week.

"My health situation along with recent Department of Health program and budget cuts has prompted me to consider a change in employment status," she said.

"Elimination of programs and funding from Washington DOH will have a profound effect on Public Health in 2012. There will be a $51,000 reduction in funding of two programs alone, and other reductions will follow. This is in addition to losses already experienced in 2011."

Bright proposed reducing her work schedule to 89.5 hours per month. This would save salary and benefits, totalling $45,232 per year. She would purchase health insurance on her own.

Weiler has been acting deputy director while she has dealt with her illness, Bright said, and he could be moved to deputy director for the period at a cost of $13,000.

That would give the county a net savings of $32,632 per year.

Bright would focus on policy decisions, preparation for the next Public Health Standards Site Visit Cycle, overall department supervision, and development of community and state relationships.

Commissioner Blair Brady moved to accept the proposal, and Commissioner Dan Cothren seconded the motion.

"It should be noted in the minutes that Judy can come back full-time at the end of the 18 months," said board Chair Lisa Marsyla.

The motion passed.