EPHRATA — As Grant County continues to grow, the county auditor's office is tasked with keeping pace with increasing demands on elections, licensing, recording services and other essential functions. The office plays a key role in ensuring residents can access services efficiently while maintaining accurate public records and administering local elections. 

The Columbia Basin Herald posed a series of questions to candidates Shannon Falstad and Darci Homesley about the responsibilities and challenges facing the Grant County Auditor's Office. Their responses will be published as a five-part Q&A series leading up to the Nov. 3 general election. 

For the first installment, candidates were asked: "Grant County is one of the fastest-growing areas in Washington. How is that growth affecting the Auditor's Office, and what changes would you make to ensure services keep pace with the county's future needs?" 

Ballots must be postmarked or placed in an official ballot drop box by Nov. 3. Voters can verify their registration status and find election information at VoteWa.gov. Grant County voters with questions can also contact the county elections office at 509-754-2011 ext. 2704. 

Falstad: I feel the growth we are experiencing has already had an impact on the County and the Auditor’s office. The previous Auditor did a wonderful job anticipating those needs by ensuring we are staffed accordingly and have up to date technology. Moving forward, I will continue that proactive approach by regularly evaluating staff workloads, service demands and processes to ensure we are prepared for continued growth. 

Homesley: Grant County’s continued growth means increased transaction volumes and greater demands on the Auditor’s Office. To keep pace, we need to look closely at staffing, workflows, and how services are delivered. That includes identifying processes that can be completed electronically, cross-training employees so we can respond where demand is greatest and using technology to make routine transactions more efficient. 

At the same time, modernization should not come at the expense of personal service. Many people still want or need to speak with someone face-to-face. My goal would be to use technology where it makes sense while continuing to provide the friendly, knowledgeable service residents should expect from their county government. 

I am a strong advocate for employees. They are the people who make an office successful, and providing them with the training, tools, support, and positive work environment they need ultimately results in better service to the public.