Heiskell and Whitfield work toward a smooth transition
Shannon Whitfield’s winning the general election to become Walker County Commissioner means the process of change is underway in local government.
Commissioner-elect Whitfield said he is awaiting word as to when the actual swearing in will take place, but is preparing to assume the duties of commissioner on Jan. 1, 2017.
Part of those preparations include his meeting with Commissioner Bebe Heiskell, who, after held the office through four terms, to work on a smooth transition of power — and responsibility.
“I met with Bebe on Friday (Nov. 18),” he said. “We met for about three hours and will meet again this week to determine the best options for health insurance for our county’s employees.”
Whitfield said he has been provided a roster of all employees, something that provides him the opportunity to see which
“I know a county clerk’s position will be open immediately,” he said, noting a clerk is leaving for another job. “And I’ll be creating a new position for an individual to serve as public information and communications director.
The commissioner-elect said he plans to spend time meeting with employees and consider if there needs to be a restructuring of some of the various departments of county government.
“I’ll spend the next few weeks reviewing positions that need to be filled by department heads,” he said.
Whitfield said that there are more than 100 on the county’s payroll. His major focus will be on administrative positions, not so much rank and file, though there might be some shifting if departments are restructured.
“I’ve stayed away from their day-to-day operations, but will be visiting with all departments to better understand what they need to best serve the public.”