2023-05-08-minutes-meeting-with-county-prosecutor

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2023-05-08 MINUTES 1 COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON CONFERENCE ROOM SPECIAL MEETING MONDAY 10:00 A.M. MAY 8, 2023 Board members present: Chairman Cory Wright, Vice Chairman Brett Wachsmith, and Commissioner Laura Osiadacz. Others: Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board; Elishia Harvill, Chief Administrator; Jeanne Killgore, Human Resource Director; Greg Zempel, Prosecutor; and Brian Carlson, Budget & Finance Director. SPECIAL MEETING PROSECUTOR RETENTION PROSECUTOR At 10:00 a.m. Chairman Wright opened a Special Meeting to meet with the Prosecutor’s office relating to recruitment and retention incentives. Greg Zempel, Prosecutor, explained the difficulty they’ve been experiencing for a long time in hiring and retaining Prosecutors. He said they’re continually being advised from others including Prothman, that Kittitas County’s pay for Prosecutor’s is low compared to others, and in addition most counties are offering signing bonuses. He said he doesn’t have the answer but knows they cannot sustain their current workloads and it’s beginning to effect employee’s health due to the stress and asked for help from the Board. Commissioner Osiadacz asked if a survey could be sent out to his current employees and as where they would best feel valued. Chairman Wright noted how people need to take into consideration the quality of life in our area as well. Elishia Harvill, Chief Administrator, reviewed some counties signing bonuses, retention bonuses, and moving expenses. She said they do have savings available from vacancies. The Board understood the seriousness of the issue and wants to be able to come up with something viable and sustainable to recruit and retain employees in their office. Chairman Wright proposed getting a group together including himself, Ms. Harvill, Brian Carlson, and Jeanne Killgore, and come up with a proposal within 6 weeks and report back to the Board. The meeting was concluded at 10:17 a.m.