Commissioners authorize staff to pursue social-media and wellness training for county employees

Williams County commissioners on July 8 reviewed a proposal to contract a trainer for two sessions to help county employees handle social-media attacks and traumatic field situations. The presenter said the total expense would be about $5,000 for two morning sessions and that Patty (last name not specified) had offered to help pay for part of the cost.

The presenter described topics including social-media response and managing staff exposure to traumatic incidents encountered by EMS and other county employees. The sessions were proposed to be held in the morning so normal county operations would not be interrupted.

Commissioners did not formally appropriate funds at the meeting but agreed staff should continue to pursue the training and provide cost numbers. The presenter said they might use a general-fund or wellness budget line; one commissioner said wellness funds may already be committed and staff should provide detailed numbers.

Next steps: staff will return with formal cost estimates and identify potential funding sources prior to any contract or appropriation.