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Structure changes in Ward County probably a positive

Not long ago, the Ward County Commission voted to remove human resources as an auditor’s office function and create a separate department.

This week, the commission voted to separate technology from the auditor’s office, creating a stand-alone department, effective July 1. The commission only acted to advance the proposal for a new department, postponing other decisions until later.

Both decisions make solid sense (with one caveat). On the surface, neither HR nor IT make any sense as part of the auditor’s office. They are entirely different functions and it is both unusual and unfair for a county our size for these functions to fall under the auditor’s office.

As separate departments with independent managers, the County should see focused expertise improve both HR and IT functions. It’s good for county employees and thus the public the employees service – and overall good move for Ward County.

The caveat if, of course, cost. Both changes call for hiring at a time the county, like government at the local and municipal levels, have struggled with and will continue to meet challenges related to their budgets.

Even if the proposal is entirely reasonable, adding personnel costs to the budget is unlikely to be well received by taxpayers.

That said, much of the proposal is structural change and there are numerous tools at the County’s disposal to offset or mitigate for the cost. Hopefully the county commission will seek these options out.

Ward County faces considerable challenges, from the commission’s opposition to transparency and perceived arrogance when dealing with constituents, to numerous questionable HR issues.

However, with the proposed structural changes, with the pursuit of a mature comprehensive plan, and with the progress at the Ward County Jail, there is also good news and signs of improvement. That is well worth praise.

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