A critical staffing decision took center stage during the Kootenai County Board of County Commissioners meeting on February 6, 2025, as officials grappled with the complexities of hiring for a lead appraiser position. The discussion highlighted the urgent need to convert an existing position to accommodate a new hire slated to start on Monday.

Commissioners faced a dilemma: the county had hired an individual for an appraiser position at level 2, but the only available position was at level 1. This mismatch raised concerns about the appropriateness of hiring for a role that exceeded the current organizational structure. The board debated whether to downgrade the lead position to level 2 or elevate it to level 3, which would allow for the new hire to fit into the existing framework.

One commissioner expressed frustration over the situation, questioning why the hiring process had proceeded without prior board approval for a position that did not exist. "We should be coming to the board before that," they stated, emphasizing the need for clarity in the hiring process to avoid future complications.

Ultimately, the board agreed to convert the lead appraiser position to level 3, allowing the new hire to start as planned. However, the discussion underscored the importance of aligning hiring practices with available positions to ensure smooth operations within the county's human resources framework.

As the board moves forward, they plan to revisit the organizational structure to prevent similar issues in the future, ensuring that staffing decisions are both strategic and compliant with county policies.