A public information officer could be the newest position added to the Town of Mancos’ payroll.
At their Nov. 10 meeting, trustees agreed that there was a need for the town to get out consistent messaging to the community.
Town Administrator Andrea Phillips said the potential public information officer would work on an as-needed basis to assist with media relations related to specific projects, town initiatives and high-profile issues, and sought approval from trustees to move forward on seeking out a qualified candidate for the role.
“Currently the town doesn’t do a good job with messaging. This is more toward writing articles, doing press releases, updating the website on an as-needed basis. It’s even more important now that we’re not getting the same coverage, since there’s no longer a Mancos Times,” said Phillips.
(At the time of the discussion, a Journal reporter was the only member of the public present at the meeting.)
The public information officer’s services would be utilized on an as-needed basis, she explained, and initial estimates indicate that the going rate for such services is in the $40 to $60 an hour range.
“I think it’s important that the town is able to put out good messaging, from our perspective,” said mayor Rachael Simbeck.
Trustee Darrel Ellis and Trustee Will Stone voiced concerns about contracting out for such services, when it could be done in-house. Ellis pointed to his background working as a public information officer in the Air Force for 13 years.
“I think a lot of times we would rather buy than use what we have. I’d like to see it done in-house before we implement another person,” said Stone.
Estimated budgetary impacts for a public information officer is $500 for the remainder of 2015; and $2,500 for the remainder of 2016.