2022-03-08-minutes-hr-study-session (2)

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COMMISSIONERS’ MINUTES KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON BOCC CONFERENCE ROOM REGULAR MEETING HR STUDY SESSION RECRUITING STRATEGY FOR DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY AND LONG RANGE PLANNER Director Foreman summarized that the County is having difficulty staffing two positions: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (DPA) and Long Range Planner. Prosecutor Zempel expressed concern over the wage ranges of the DPA positions, commenting that compared to comparable agencies around the state the County’s wages are not competitive. The Prosecutor’s Office and HR have attempted to expand their advertising efforts, but there have still been no applicants since the position was posted in January. Director Foreman commented that in lieu of adjusting the wage ranges, they could look at working with a placement agency. Office Administrator Harvill pointed out that there are some positions at the County who require less education and experience than a DPA, but have a higher starting salary. The Board requested statistics on the current advertising efforts, the cost of working with a placement agency, and what updated wage ranges would look like. Director Foreman with gather the information and bring it back to the next Study Session. The Board entered executive session at 10:58 AM for an anticipated length of five minutes to discussion the performance of a public employee under RCW 42.30.110 (g): To evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment or to review the performance of a public employee. However, subject to RCW 42.30.140(4), discussion by a governing body of salaries, wages, and other conditions of employment to be generally applied within the agency shall occur in a meeting open to the public, and when a governing body elects to take final action in hiring, setting the salary of an individual employee or class of employees, or discharging or disciplining an employee, that action shall be taken in a meeting open to the public. Anticipated action: none. The Board exited executive session at 11:03 AM with no action taken. CDS Director Carlson summarized a similar difficulty in recruiting Long Range Planners, and cited a non- competitive wage range as a factor. The Board requested similar information as described above. Director Foreman with bring back information about the current advertising efforts, placement agency costs, and a draft wage range update to the next Study Session. DISCUSS END OF STATEWIDE MASKING MANDATE AND POTENTIAL REMOVAL OF SIGNAGE AND BARRIERS Director Foreman advised the Board that the Statewide masking mandate will end on 3/12/2022. Labor & Industries has been silent on the change, but may release new rules before the end of the week. Commissioner Wright expressed interest in sending a message to all staff about the mandate changes. Commissioner Wachsmith and Director Foreman will draft a message to send to all staff. UPDATE AND DISCUSSION OF CELL PHONE STIPENDS AND COUNTY-ISSUED CELL PHONES Director Foreman provided an update on County-issued cell phones and cell phone allowances for employees. She noted that some departments manage their own cell phone plans without the support of the IT Department. The Board recommended bringing IT Director Goeben into the conversation. The Board will revisit this topic at the next IT Study Session.