Human Resources presented a pay-policy exception Thursday asking the Yakima County Board of Commissioners to allow hiring an engineering senior manager 2 in Public Services — Utilities at step 8 of the pay plan after an extended recruitment to replace Joe Stump.

The candidate the department identified brings more than 20 years of utilities experience and has been a manager since February 2011, Human Resources staff said. Commissioners said they supported the request but no formal board vote was taken during the work session.

Judy, a human resources staff member, told the board the county had conducted six recruitments over roughly six months and began recruiting even before Stump retired. “It is a pay policy exception for the engineering senior manager 2 in public services utilities. This is replacing Joe Stump. They have recruited well over 6 months,” Judy said. She described the selected candidate as “highly qualified, 20 years plus experience with utilities of which he’s been a manager since 02/2011,” and said the department requested hiring at step 8 of the Engineering Manager 2 pay plan.

Commissioner McKinney responded, "hallelujah, amen," adding that while Stump could not be replaced entirely, she was “in full support.” Commissioner Curtis also said he was “in full support,” thanking Judy for the presentation.

No formal motion or vote to approve the pay-policy exception was recorded during the May 29 work session. The item was presented for commissioner consideration; commissioners expressed support and staff described next steps for bringing the hire forward for final administrative processing.