Stafford’s Volunteers Extend Provision of Services

If you have visited Stafford County's George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center, or the courthouse, or called for road assistance, you have probably encountered one of Stafford County's many awesome volunteers. Volunteers enable Stafford County to provide enhanced services. Last year, their service saved Stafford County more than $1,700,000 in full-time staff costs.

"Our volunteers perform everything from greeting and giving directions to folks to providing specialized knowledge to one of our many boards, committees and commissions," said Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Deuntay Diggs. "Volunteers expand capacity, deepen community ties and make it possible to provide more services - at no additional cost to taxpayers."

Last year, the group's 185 volunteers served a combined 42,441 hours, resulting in total savings of $1,754,510.94 in full-time staff costs, including benefits. These figures are determined by multiplying the volunteer rate ($41.34 with benefits, as dictated by the state's Bureau of Labor Statistics) by the total number of volunteer hours.

The volunteers operate out of the Community Engagement - Customer Service Office in the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center. Volunteers are often the first people visitors see. They staff the reception desk, answer phones and provide ombudsman services in the Government Center. They help with data entry support, traffic and transportation services for the Sheriff's Office, and clerical and reception support at the Circuit and District courts and other offices.

The Customer Service Office works hard to keep volunteers engaged, arranging special events for them and publishing a monthly volunteer newsletter. New volunteers are welcome at all times. Interested individuals may call the Customer Service Office at (540) 658-4518, or visit https://www.staffordcountyva.gov for more information.