Two New Jobs Proposed To Support Charles County Commissioners Office Workload

LA PLATA, Md. — Charles County commissioners reached consensus Tuesday, May 5, to add two positions to the commissioners office as part of the proposed FY2027 budget, following a discussion that highlighted growing workload demands, staffing strain and concerns about how the proposal was developed.

The additions include a new full-time executive commissioner specialist and converting an existing temporary administrative role into a permanent part-time position. Both are expected to begin in early 2027, pending final adoption of the FY2027 budget on May 12.

County staff said the changes are part of an ongoing effort to reorganize the commissioners office as responsibilities have expanded to include increased constituent engagement, project coordination and event planning.

Growing Workload Drives Staffing Needs

The part-time administrative associate position, proposed by Commissioner Thomasina Coates, is designed to support daily operations by assisting with constituent services, answering phones and handling administrative tasks. The role is currently being filled on a temporary basis using salary savings but is not yet a permanent position.

The full-time executive commissioner specialist, proposed by Commissioner President Reuben Collins II, would provide higher-level administrative and strategic support, including scheduling, project coordination, research and interdepartmental communication, while also assisting with event planning and special initiatives.

Tara Hunt, chief of staff, said the reorganization is intended to better distribute workload within the office.

“One of our employees has been functioning in essentially two full-time roles,” Hunt said, describing the strain on current staff.

Concerns Raised Over Process, Communication

Commissioner Amanda M. Stewart said she was not individually consulted beforehand, noting that while discussions may have occurred with some commissioners, the full board was not included — especially given the positions would be within the commissioners office itself.

“With all due respect, this is not how things are done,” Stewart said. “It’s our office, so we should have been able to provide our insight about the good, the bad and everything in between.”

Stewart also questioned adding new positions without first evaluating current roles and responsibilities.

“You don’t just bring forth a position and ask for a new position with no information, no data,” she said.

Tara Hunt, chief of staff, acknowledged Stewart’s concern and agreed that broader input would be included moving forward.

Commissioner Coates clarified that the staffing discussion began after commissioners raised concerns directly with staff.

“She did not come to me,” Coates said. “I actually went to her to discuss a matter, and this led into the discussion in reference to the position.”

Commissioner Gilbert “BJ” Bowling supported adding the positions but raised concerns about compensation and retention.

“I feel like our executive assistants need to meet the same salary criteria as some of the executive assistants of our directors,” Bowling said. “Sometimes I feel like we lose people back there because of pay.”

Bowling also suggested a broader review of responsibilities within the office.

“Maybe we need to take a look at how duties are assigned,” he said.

Collins noted the idea of adding staff is not new, noting the position he proposed has been discussed by the board for several years.

“This is something that we’ve looked at for the last four or five years,” Collins said. “We just haven’t actually funded the position.”

Funding for the positions will come from a combination of budget adjustments, including reductions to contingency funds and reallocations within existing budgets. Following discussion, a consensus was reached by the board to move the proposed positions forward as part of the FY2027 budget process.

Watch the full May 5 Board of Commissioners budget work session meeting on CCGTV.

See all of the Commissioner General Fund Operating Add/Deletes Here.

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