Augusta County is planning to spend more than $100,000 to hire a staff to bring more business to the area.

On Wednesday night, the county board of supervisors approved an ordinance to create an economic development director.

County officials say the starting salary would be at least $65,000 for the director, plus a paid secretary and benefits.

The director will work to attract new businesses to the county, keep the ones that are already in the area and try to bring more tourists.

Supervisor Tracy Pyles was the lone vote against the position. He says the county can perform the job functions with current staff.

He says, "Everybody is realizing times are tough. They're shedding jobs. At the same time, we're going to add an expensive job. This is at the same time we're not giving any employee an increase. We've laid people off, and we're bringing in this job."

Gerald Garber was one of the six supervisors who voted in favor of the economic developer position.

He says, "I think existing businesses need to know that we're concerned about them. That we care, that we want to help them. Obviously, you care about the local businesses, you're helping retain jobs. It's not a real good climate, possibly, to be chasing around the world for new business, but we need to make sure we take care of the very good ones we have here."

The county is now interviewing candidates for the position.