Tim Gibson said he plans to provide better customer service and save taxpayers money as he downsizes his department.

  The new Plumas County agriculture commissioner’s plan drew applause when the Board of Supervisors adopted it March 5.

  “I just think ‘Wow!’ these department heads who save us money,” Supervisor Lori Simpson said. “I’m sure the taxpayers like to hear it too.”

  “It saves money and it provides even better service,” Supervisor Jon Kennedy said.

  Gibson’s plan increases a half-time administrative assistant to full-time, refills his prior position of an Inspector III with an Inspector II, and eliminates a technician position. The changes will allow both Gibson and the inspector to spend more time out in the field.

  The proposed cost savings for the remainder of this fiscal year is approximately $10,000 and it’s estimated to save nearly $27,000 for the next fiscal year.

One more deputy

  Sheriff Greg Hagwood will be able to hire a deputy, filling a position that had been held for a deputy out on disability.

  Hagwood said that deputy has now retired and he asked the Board of Supervisors for authorization to fill that position.

  He passed out a roster that included the sheriff’s sworn and correctional staffs and said, “We are nine sworn positions down and three others are out with injury or illness.

  “We’re at a point where being able to provide a minimum degree of coverage is stretched thin,” Hagwood told the supervisors.

  The new hire will allow Hagwood to provide more coverage for the county and reduce his overtime budget. He said the deputy will likely cover the Chester-Lake Almanor area.

  Hagwood also addressed the disability retirement in his department.

  “This is pretty devastating to him,” Hagwood said of the Greenville-based deputy who was injured in August 2009 and has tried repeatedly to resume his duties. “This is certainly not what he would choose.”