In a recent Klamath County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting held on November 26, 2024, significant discussions centered around staffing challenges within the juvenile department. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for clarity on staffing numbers and the implications of recent resignations on departmental operations.

The conversation began with a focus on the distinction between Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) counts and the actual number of staff bodies. A key point of contention arose regarding the juvenile department's staffing levels, with officials noting that while the budget approved 28 positions, the FTE count stood at 30.21. This discrepancy raised concerns about the actual availability of staff, particularly as many part-time employees were only able to work limited shifts due to other commitments.

Amanda, a department representative, provided insight into the current staffing situation, revealing that there are 26 active part-time employees in the juvenile department. However, the department has faced challenges, including four resignations in the past two weeks, exacerbating the staffing crisis. The inability to recruit replacements has been a persistent issue, prompting calls for immediate action to post job openings and fill the gaps.

The discussion underscored the critical nature of having adequate staffing to effectively run juvenile programs. Officials emphasized the need for an immediate posting to attract new employees, highlighting the urgency of addressing the staffing shortages to ensure the department can meet its operational demands.

In conclusion, the BOCC meeting illuminated the pressing staffing issues within Klamath County's juvenile department. As officials work to resolve these challenges, the focus will remain on recruitment efforts and maintaining adequate staffing levels to support essential services in the community. The next steps will involve immediate job postings and ongoing discussions about how to stabilize the workforce in the face of ongoing turnover.