During a recent government meeting, the HR director presented a comprehensive review of the county's workforce over the past decade, highlighting significant changes in full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, turnover rates, and employee demographics.

The review indicated a net increase of 61.64 FTEs from 2015 to 2025, with 46.55 of these positions previously contracted out. Notably, the human services department saw the largest growth, adding 36.66 FTEs in 2022 as contracted roles transitioned to county employees for compliance reasons. Other departments, such as administration and transit, also experienced notable changes, with administration centralizing finance positions and transit hiring previously contracted staff.

The HR director emphasized the importance of understanding how these changes impact the county's budget, particularly in light of concerns about funding sources for new positions. While some roles are supported by grants, the overall financial implications remain a point of discussion among supervisors.

Turnover rates were another focal point, with the county experiencing a 28% turnover rate in 2022, which has decreased to 18% year-to-date in 2024. Comparatively, the national average turnover rate is approximately 3.8%. The nursing home sector reported a turnover rate of 26% for 2024, down from a staggering 58% in 2021, reflecting improvements in retention strategies.

Employee demographics revealed that 56% of the general county staff have been employed for five years or less, with 18% of employees nearing retirement age. This trend raises concerns about potential staffing shortages as a significant portion of the workforce could retire in the coming years.

The meeting concluded with discussions on recruitment efforts, which have increased by 25% over the past five years, indicating a proactive approach to addressing turnover and staffing needs. The HR director committed to providing further data on FTE funding sources and the impact of grants on the county's financial landscape, as supervisors seek clarity on the relationship between staffing changes and budgetary constraints.