Coos County approves HR software contract and labor agreements for safety and after-hours callouts

The Coos County Board of Commissioners approved multiple HR- and labor-related items May 6: a contract with BambooHR for HR software, a letter of agreement with AFSCME providing a 10% safety stipend to Donna Nelms, and a site agreement with Teamsters Local 223 to formalize after-hours callouts.

Mike Rowley, department head at Coos Health & Wellness, outlined the BambooHR contract as a tool to help automate HR tracking and free staff time for recruiting and candidate engagement. The board moved, seconded and approved the contract and authorized Rowley to sign.

On the AFSCME stipend, Rowley described a proposed 10% stipend for Donna Nelms to lead the safety committee at Coos Health & Wellness. Commissioners noted the additional expense is borne by Coos Health & Wellness’ own funding mechanisms and would not impact the county general fund, and the board approved the letter of agreement.

Caroline summarized a site agreement reached with Teamsters steward Paul Slater for handling after-hours callouts. The agreement creates a monthly overtime list and a dispatcher protocol to contact the first available qualified person for emergency response; proximity, vehicle availability and required skills will be considered. The board approved the side agreement, effective May 6, 2025.

Ending: Each item passed by motion; commissioners emphasized continuity of service and that the AFSCME stipend is funded from Health & Wellness resources, not the general fund.