Personnel and human-resources leaders reported about 36 current countywide job openings, including 7 patrol deputy positions, roughly 15 corrections openings and 2 openings in dispatch. The county is negotiating with multiple bargaining units: correction officers' unions and the Teamsters for corrections supervisors and law-enforcement units.

Personnel staff said recruitment remains active, background checks and polygraphs extend the hiring timeline (about five to six weeks), and the county expects to seek financial guidance from commissioners on dispatch negotiations at the March meeting if necessary.

Facilities director Alex reported active construction at the county’s two main projects (referred to in the meeting as Northport and Veil Medical). Alex said finance staff would move in during April and that other departments would relocate in phases, depending on readiness.

County Manager Galey reminded commissioners of near-term dates: a finance committee meeting Jan. 21, a budget workshop Feb. 3 at 5:30 p.m., and the board meeting scheduled for Feb. 18 where the budget could be considered for adoption. He also explained how the county would handle the upcoming National Day of Mourning: essential employees must work and unions’ collective bargaining agreements will govern coverage; nonunion employees will work and receive 8 hours of earned time to be taken later with supervisor approval.

Commissioners thanked staff for recruitment progress and construction updates and reiterated the importance of communication as budget and personnel negotiations proceed.