Supervisors ask for job description after county proposes a business advocate position

County leadership described a proposed "business advocate" position at the March 26 York County work session, saying the role would guide prospective and existing businesses through permitting, rezoning, special-use permits and coordination with outside agencies (for example, VDOT and HRSD).

The presenter said the role would act as a liaison once economic-development staff have recruited a prospect and the county is working to bring the business to a physical location. "This position will act as an advocate for business," the presenter said, and listed typical duties such as rezoning coordination, site selection assistance and handoffs to planning and development services.

Several supervisors expressed support for the concept but asked for a written job description and more detail on reporting lines and how the advocate would interact with existing division heads and economic-development staff. One supervisor said the position should not undermine department leadership; another said past iterations of a similar role had worked well when properly integrated.

The county administrator agreed to provide a job description in final form and meet with supervisors individually to address outstanding questions before the position is posted or filled.