Let’s end another week by giving some love to people who could really use it right now: employees of the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners. It has been quite a rough couple of weeks and months for Citrus County government workers. The county is hemorrhaging talented people, and it’s discouraging from the cheap seats to watch that. Imagine sitting on the bench and seeing your team implode like that, knowing there is little you can do to help. The recent announced departures of high-level county workers fall basically into one of two categories:
--- It's symbolic of the dysfunction on the county commission, the impending retirement of County Administrator Randy Oliver and questions about his leadership, a very active political season that will only get more active. In other words, folks are jumping ship. --- This same thing is happening everywhere and it’s just a coincidence. I don’t know which it is, but I do have empathy for those who are working their tails off every day to plug the dike. Ever think what it must be like working for the government? Great pay, awesome benefits, holidays off, feeling of community accomplishment. Many people seek county jobs with that in mind. But the other side isn’t so much fun. The public is CONSTANTLY noticing government workers. They drive government vehicles, wear government badges or uniforms, work in a government building. Unhappy people regularly insult them as being lazy, incompetent, on the take or lacking common sense. “I pay your salary!” “You work for me!” Every so often I’ll find in the commission email a note from citizens praising a county worker. Oliver always forwards them to the commissioners. Here’s one from last week regarding Utilities Department worker Triston Price: “On March 25, 2022, at approximately 5:20 p.m., I noticed a pool of water in front of our house by the water meter, which is near our street. I called your after-hour emergency number…and reported the needed repair to the operator. At approximately 5:45 p.m., your technician, Triston, was at our house to make the repair. “My husband and I found Triston to be helpful and polite. He repaired the problem after a few hours.” Citrus County’s government workforce is filled with Tristons. People who put in an honest day’s work for their paychecks, same as the rest of us. Due to my job, I tend to mix mostly with administrator types. I’ve found them to be smart, funny, a heap of information and helpful to a fault (including helping with this blog as late as 8 p.m. Thursday). Many in recent months have encouraged me, sometimes just a whisper at the county commission meeting. It’s meaningful. Colleen Yarbrough epitomizes the point. Colleen, director of animal services, sent me this photo and I just love it. Sitting on the floor of the animal shelter, bottle feeding a kitten. It takes a special breed (ha!) to run an animal shelter. The good ones are not to be messed with. Their sole interest is these critters and they have no time for political correctness or to stroke the egos of politicians. That fierce determination to do what’s right on the public’s behalf is a trait I see in Colleen and nearly every other county employee I come in contact with. Look. These are weird times in county government and it’s not comfortable. The employees only want stabilization, but the reality is that’s still a few months away. If you’re mad at the commissioners, don’t take it out on the transit driver, or landfill worker, or department director. They’re doing their best under trying circumstances, of which they have no control or say. So in the meantime, while the ship is listing, let’s make sure our county employee neighbors know we have their backs. Politics is sport to some, ambition for others, but to these men and women, it affects their livelihood. We’ll be back on our feet in no time. Dedicated Citrus County workers will make sure of that. Join the discussion on our Facebook page. Comments are closed.
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AuthorMike Wright has written about Citrus County government and politics for 36 years. Archives
November 2024
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