February 27, 2024 |
Photo – GIS image – Courtesy stock.adobe.com
County officials approved a request to advertise for a mapping specialist despite budgetary concerns over the hire.
Carbon County is currently contracting with Greenwood Mapping for its Geographic Information System, or GIS, needs. A GIS is a computer system that allows easy access to all maps and charts of the county.
During the February 20th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Planning and Development Coordinator Kristy Rowan asked the board to allow her to hire an in-house GIS specialist. Rowan explained some of the responsibilities of the potential new county employee.
Rowan said her goal is to have the GIS specialist provide quality mapping services for the entire county. The planning and development coordinator explained how having an in-house mapping specialist will benefit other county departments.
Rowan said money has been set aside from her department’s 2023 2024 budget to hire the new employee.
Commissioner John Johnson said the position was approved during last year’s budgeting process. With budget season happening again in four months, Commissioner Johnson asked if the board should hire someone they may not be able to afford to retain.
Commissioner Johnson asked if it would make more financial sense to continue using Greenwood Mapping until next year’s budget is set. Commission Chairwoman Sue Jones said the owner of Greenwood Mapping, Rich Greenwood, was close to retiring. Chairwoman Jones suggested they ask Greenwood when he intends to retire and begin seeking GIS specialist applications now.
Chairwoman Jones asked the board for their opinions. Commissioner John Espy said having a GIS specialist is in the best interest of the county. Commissioner Espy recommended allowing the planning and development director to begin seeking applicants.
Commissioner Travis Moore agreed, saying that trained GIS specialists are difficult to find. Commissioner Moore said they should advertise now to ensure that qualified applicants are made aware of the open county position.
Fire Warden John Rutherford expressed his support for an in-house mapping specialist. Rutherford said having accurate maps helped minimize property damage during the 2019 San Pedro Mountain Fire.
Commissioner Johnson said he doesn’t want to go through the process of hiring a GIS specialist, only to have to fire the person in a few months if the budget cannot support their salary.
Commissioner Espy said Planning Coordinator Rowan should begin searching for applicants now. If she is unable to find any qualified candidates, Espy said they will have to rely on outside contractors to provide the county’s mapping services.
The board instructed Rowan to begin advertising for a GIS specialist and contact the University of Wyoming about steering graduates toward Carbon County.
