The Dunn County Planning, Resources & Development Committee meeting held on July 16, 2025, focused on significant changes to employee performance evaluations and compensation structures. The discussions highlighted the introduction of a new evaluation process that ties employee performance directly to financial outcomes, which has generated mixed reactions among staff.

Key points from the meeting included the positive reception of the new performance check-in system, which aims to provide employees with clearer feedback on their performance. Managers are now tasked with conducting these evaluations, which some committee members noted could lead to difficult conversations. While employees expressed a desire for regular performance assessments, there were concerns about the accuracy and fairness of evaluations, particularly regarding how managers assess their performance.

The committee acknowledged that some employees worry about their managers' ability to evaluate them accurately. To address this, a core values rubric was introduced to standardize expectations and provide behavioral indicators for performance ratings. However, employees also raised concerns about the potential for subjective evaluations and the fear of not receiving timely feedback.

Another significant topic was the financial implications of the proposed 4.75% salary increase, which would amount to approximately $2 million. The committee discussed the challenges of funding such increases, noting that while this figure is competitive within the market, it represents a substantial financial commitment for the county.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ensure that employees have opportunities to provide feedback on their evaluations and to clarify the process for addressing disagreements with performance assessments. The committee emphasized the importance of open communication between employees and managers to foster a collaborative work environment. Overall, the discussions underscored the need for a balanced approach to performance evaluations that supports both employee development and organizational goals.