A six-month trial will ensue following a decision Tuesday by Travis County commissioners to create a public information officer position.
Deece Eckstein, intergovernmental relation officer, said the need for a county public information officer has been discussed and studied for several years. The latest study from February 2016 recommended the position be created. Earlier this year, county staff was tasked with making a specific recommendation for commissioners.
"We are suggesting this is created as a special project slot for six months," Eckstein said. "That position would be hired as soon after Oct. 1 as possible. At the end of January, we will evaluate how we thought it was functioning and decide whether or not to keep it permanently."
The public information officer would report to the commissioners court and would be responsible for interacting with media and addressing any public information requests. Additional responsibilities would include preparing and releasing announcements and speeches, and coordinating public information programs and events for the public.
Commissioners agreed there was a need for the position. Commissioner Brigid Shea added the need for a public information officer was essential for promoting county projects and programs.
"I think we have programs designed to help people and we don't have a great way to tell that story or get that information out there," Shea said.
A subcommittee of the commissioners court, which includes Shea and Commissioner Margaret Gomez, will oversee the hiring process and preliminary evaluation of performance for this position and report back to their fellow commissioners as the process continues.