County approves hiring freeze exceptions, juvenile justice step increase and a grant-funded jail reentry officer

The Board of County Commissioners on Monday approved several personnel actions: two hiring free-exception requests, an early step increase for a juvenile-justice administrative supervisor, and a new corrections officer reentry position funded by a Medicaid waiver.

The board granted hiring freeze exceptions for a temporary part-time finance specialist in the treasurer’s office and for a Human Resources Risk Management HR coordinator; commissioners said both positions are urgent to keep operations running and to support an upcoming change in county accounting software. Both exceptions passed 3–0.

Human Resources Director Josh Griffith brought forward a request for an early step increase for the juvenile justice center administrative services supervisor. The board approved the early step increase following a written recommendation from the court services director noting the employee’s expanded responsibilities, including work on a Medicaid transformation project.

The board also approved a new corrections officer reentry classification to support the county’s reentry initiative. Commander Steve Barker said the role will escort and transport people nearing community reentry to medical, behavioral-health and case-management appointments; staff described the cohort as individuals approaching release rather than high-security detainees. The Legislature- and state-approved Medicaid waiver (HCA) will fund 80% of the position; the county will cover 20% of the cost and related county salary offsets for county staff time supporting the HCA work. Commissioners noted the position is tied to a three-year funding assumption and discussed attrition-based transitions should ongoing local funding not be available after the grant period.

All personnel votes were unanimous, and commissioners asked HR and department leaders to provide regular updates on grant funding, recruitment and any necessary transitions once the grant term concludes.