By Ken Francis, Staff Writer

 

Volunteers will soon be assisting visitors to the Wright County Government Center.

In late August, the board of commissioners gave its approval to a plan to utilize volunteers at the front reception desk to give people directions and answer questions.

Wright County Assistant Coordinator Sue Vergin said the idea was discussed at a committee meeting and brought forth as a recommendation.

She said so far, four volunteers have expressed interest.

“We’re going to continue to advertise because we’d like to have a larger pool,” she told the commissioners. “With these four I believe we can provide coverage the majority of the time. But we would like to identify the busiest times and try to cover those times.”

Volunteers will answer the switchboard telephone and answer questions in person at the reception desk.

Vergin said the plan is to have adequate signage showing locations of the various buildings and departments. She said another goal is to post frequently asked questions and answers to help visitors when the front desk is not covered.

She said volunteer training will take place during the first two weeks of September through the auditor/treasurer’s office, which currently provides a staff member to work the front desk.

“Utilizing volunteers for this would allow the auditor/treasurer to move an Office Technician I to their license bureau and use the paid resources in a more beneficial and cost effective manner,” she said.

“It’s a great idea,” said Commissioner Christine Husom. “Maybe if each one of us can share it on our Facebook page, it would generate more interest - get the word out there. There’s a lot of people who love to get out and do volunteer work.”

Commissioner Charles Borrell said they should also put up a sign near the reception desk informing the public they are being assisted by a volunteer, and encouraging others to do the same.