Bonner County Commissioners debate status of Black Friday and Juneteenth holidays

The Monthly Department Head Meeting for Bonner County took place on June 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM, focusing on employee holiday scheduling and potential changes to time off policies. The meeting began with a discussion about the possibility of substituting Juneteenth for the day after Thanksgiving as a holiday. Concerns were raised regarding the timing of tax collection, as Juneteenth falls just before the deadline for tax payments, making it a less favorable option for some departments.

Participants expressed the need for a decision on holiday scheduling, particularly as Thanksgiving approaches. One department head suggested that employees could send emails with their preferences regarding the holiday changes. The discussion highlighted the importance of balancing employee time off with operational needs, especially in departments that cannot close during critical periods.

A proposal was also introduced regarding the creation of a floater holiday for road and bridge equipment operators, allowing them to take Christmas Eve off, which they typically work. This proposal aims to provide better work-life balance for those employees while maintaining operations in other departments.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that further exploration of holiday options is necessary, with a focus on the financial implications of any changes. The department heads agreed to continue discussions and gather input from staff to finalize decisions before the upcoming holiday season.