Kenosha County Clerk Advocates for Internal Promotion Policy Changes

The Kenosha County Judiciary and Law Enforcement Committee meeting on September 3, 2025, focused primarily on staffing challenges within the circuit court system. The elected Clerk of Courts presented a detailed overview of the department's structure and the impact of recent staff turnover on operations.

The Clerk highlighted the roles of various managers and staff, emphasizing the importance of cross-training among judicial assistants to ensure courtroom functions continue smoothly in the absence of specific judges. However, the Clerk expressed concerns about the limitations imposed by current hiring policies, particularly regarding internal promotions during the evaluation period for new employees.

This year, the department faced significant turnover, losing eight positions due to retirements and other departures. The Clerk noted that while hiring pools were established to fill vacancies, the inability to promote qualified internal candidates during their evaluation period created additional challenges. For instance, a newly hired entry-level clerk, who had demonstrated potential, was unable to be promoted to a senior position due to policy restrictions, despite being the most qualified candidate.

The Clerk proposed a revision to the hiring policy that would allow department heads to make exceptions for internal candidates during extraordinary circumstances, thereby enabling them to promote proven employees without the need for external hiring processes. This change, the Clerk argued, would enhance operational efficiency and employee morale by recognizing and advancing talent within the department.

The discussion underscored the need for flexibility in hiring practices to better address staffing shortages and maintain effective court operations. The Clerk's request for policy adjustments will be considered in future meetings, as the committee seeks to balance departmental needs with established human resources guidelines.