County Makes Dept. Move In Money Saving Move

Stephens County government makes a change within its departments in an effort to save money.

County Administrator Phyllis Ayers said that the county has moved Registrar Theresa Kelley into the Probate Judge’s office, where she will work part-time, along with working part-time in her current job as Elections Superintendent and Registrar.

“Our Elections Superintendent, Theresa Kelley, will not physically report to and work under the direction of the Probate Judge, Glenda Ernest,” said Ayers. “Glenda has relieved one of her part-time positions in lieu of Theresa coming into her office. She will to report to Glenda and work in the Probate Judge’s office and be out of that office when she needs to run early voting or an election.”

Kelley’s elections responsibilities will not change.

Ayers said the move to combine the offices was done in an effort to save money in the county budget in anticipation of another tight fiscal year coming up.

“One of our goals this year was to have any reductions in place before we start the budget, so those savings would immediately be recognized and that would allow them (the commission) to look at any millage rate relief that they could possibly give,” said Ayers.

Ayers said another benefit is that the county will be able to cross-train other employees in the Probate Judge’s Office on Elections to assist in that area if it is ever needed.