Madison County is operating with a smaller-than-needed staff while facing a growing list of responsibilities, according to Board of Commissioners Chairman Todd Higdon. He discussed the county’s staffing challenges, health department repairs, data center moratorium, and 2027 budget during an Aug. 31 conversation with Madison County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jill Parham. Higdon said one of the biggest challenges of leading county government is the pace at which staff must work. “Pace at Jackson County is probably just as fast, but their staff is three times larger,” he said. “Here, it’s almost like a two-person deal. Me and (County Clerk Christina) Baxter are running it hand-in-hand, or I’m barking orders and she’s facilitating with department heads.” He said the county has discussed implementing a county manager position to help oversee day-to-day operations. “If we change the title on the door from the Madison County Board of Commissioners Chairman to county manager, my job would not change,” he said. The county manager position would pay about $180,000 annually, roughly $80,000 more than Higdon’s current compensation, he said. He said the difference in education between himself and a county manager would amount to roughly an eight-hour class. However, he said his experience in commercial development, building and economic development provides expertise that many county managers may not have. “For the money, the county’s got a deal between me and (Baxter),” he…
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