KINGWOOD — Preston County’s newest IT director was busy working on a technical report Tuesday, according to County Administrator Nathan Raybeck.
Preston County commissioners approved the hiring of Alex Hines as IT director during their last meeting, at a yearly salary of $73,000, full benefits and a September probation period.
Commissioners also approved a Victim of Crime Acts (VOCA) grant application presented by victim advocate Stacy Greaser.
A VOCA grant is a federal grant program that supports direct services to victims and survivors of violent crimes. The grant funds come from fines and penalties levied against criminals who commit federal crimes. The program assists public and nonprofit agencies to provide or update services such as counseling, safety planning and legal advocacy to victims of crimes.
Greaser said last year she asked for about $59,000 and received $44,205. She said this year she was asking for $59,390.
Raybeck said the employee handbook was formatted for approval and can now be circulated to office holders so they can either adopt it, or any part of it they want to use for their employees.
Raybeck also told commissioners that the county has a contract with Sourcewell, an agency that helps public agencies save time and money by accessing national contracts for supplies, technology equipment.
“The contract allows us not to have to bid on products,” he said. “We found we had a contract when we were checking on cleaning products. The contract includes everything from cleaning the bathroom to building an airport.”
Raybeck said another advantage to having the contract is that other county agencies can also use the commission’s account to purchase items at a discount.
According to the website, Sourcewell serves state government, local government, higher education and K-12 education.
Commissioners went into executive session to discuss the building contract for the sheriff’s office. No action was taken.
The next meeting of the Preston County Commission will be 9:30 a.m. Monday.
