The County of Surry is pleased to announce the appointment of a Development Services Director who will oversee the operations of the Development Services Department. This department is the result of the consolidation approved by the Board of Commissioners in June as a part of the FY17-18 budget. The following departments and activities are being consolidated into this department: Planning and Development, Zoning, Inspections, Code Enforcement, Central Permitting, Lovills Creek, Flat Rock-Bannertown Water and Sewer District, Interstates Water and Sewer District, and the Elkin Area Water System. Johnny Easter, who currently serves as Environmental Health Supervisor II with Surry County, has been named to the position effective December 1.
Mr. Easter has been employed with Surry County since 2006. Prior to his employment with Surry County, he worked with Forsyth County for eight years as an Environmental Health Supervisor I. Mr. Easter graduated from North Surry High School and Western Carolina University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health. He has extensive experience working with the contractors and citizens of Surry County.
County Manager Chris Knopf said “I look forward to working with Mr. Easter in his new role with Surry County. His experience working with our citizens, contractors, and other County departments will allow him to hit the ground running in his new role.”
Mr. Easter stated “My sole focus as the new Development Services Director is to provide the best possible permitting process for the people of Surry County. My years of experience in Environmental Health have prepared me for the task at hand. I will be steadfast in establishing a positive, open and constructive experience for both the contractors and citizens at large”.
The Development Services model being implemented by Surry County is designed to provide enhanced customer service and improve the efficient delivery of services by consolidating those functions of County Government that cater to development activities. Giving stakeholders a single point of contact for development-related activities will assist the County in accomplishing its goals.
Surry County’s “one-stop” shop is in the Permitting Center, 122 Hamby Road, Dobson, North Carolina. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15 am until 5:00 pm.
For additional information, contact: Sandra Snow, Assistant County Manager for Human Resources and Operations, at 336-401-8202.