Tax Collector to close daily noon hour as office battles staffing shortage; board requests status update in June

Tax Collector Sullivan told the board the office has suffered high turnover in entry‑level positions, leaving the department with roughly six staff and limited capacity to cover windows and field work. To ensure continuity of services and to allow staff breaks, the department requested board approval to close daily from 12:00–1:00 p.m. as needed; the board supported the approach and directed staff to be sparing in its use.

Supervisors asked about the timing of public demand and whether noon closures would unduly harm taxpayers who can only visit at lunch. Sullivan said the office’s busiest period spans roughly 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; the noon closure is preferable to ad‑hoc end‑of‑day closures that would force citizens to return on another day.

Supervisors discussed recruitment hurdles, training timelines and the county’s incentive policy; human resources staff explained new incentive rules require failed recruitments before a department qualifies under updated criteria. The tax collector reported open recruitments and hopeful hires within weeks, but acknowledged training will take time.

The board asked staff to post generalized notice about temporary noon closures and to return with a staffing‑status update at the June budget meeting. The board also encouraged HR and the administrative office to work with the tax collector on recruitment and retention strategies.