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Board pushes to expand part‑time pool, separates payroll ahead of district launch; commissioners to notify HR
Summary
Board discussed staffing pressures, a plan to open three part‑time positions to reduce overtime, separation of payroll/HR from the clerk's office effective Oct. 1, and an action for commissioners to email HR to authorize hiring.
Bonner County Ambulance Service leaders told the board they will open three part‑time positions to reduce overtime and that payroll and HR responsibilities will be separated from the county clerk’s office effective Oct. 1.
Chief (Bonner County Ambulance Service) said the district’s staffing level is generally adequate but summer vacations and a workers’ comp absence have created pressure: "We're minimum plus 1 maybe. ... If we go below minimums, then we are putting ourselves in a bind because now we're going to be having to staff with overtime." He said the service asked HR to open three part‑time positions to expand the candidate pool for seasonal coverage.
Board members said the HR staff currently handling these requests were not present for earlier conversations and asked that the board formally notify HR to authorize the positions. Commissioner Domke agreed: "Commissioner Domke will send that email," he said, noting all three commissioners would be copied so HR has an explicit directive.
Chief described an operational change that will separate payroll and auditing functions from the clerk's office: "We will be completely separated with payroll ... come October 1." Staff said that separation will include payroll processing and auditing tasks currently performed by the clerk.
The board also discussed employee advancement and retention. Commissioners asked staff to build training, continuing‑education and credential advancement into a five‑year staffing and budget outlook so employees know how and whether certifications will be compensated. One commissioner noted the sheriff’s office uses automatic pay bumps for advanced credentials and asked for a similar, predictable path for EMS staff.
Insurance and benefits: staff said auto and liability insurance are complete and medical insurance quotes are in progress; a pending quote could require board attention.
Follow‑up: commissioners will email HR to request authorization to open three part‑time positions; staff will return with a five‑year staffing and compensation plan that includes advancement and retention measures.
