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Commissioners debate whether employee recognition should move out of commissioners' budget
Summary
Bonner County commissioners discussed a $1,000 budget line for employee recognition and whether the expense should be moved to Human Resources; staff recommended leaving the line until a program design is finalized and to decide where it belongs.
Veronica, the staff member presenting the commissioners' office budget, told the Bonner County Board of Commissioners that the office’s employee recognition line has been unused for nearly a year and recommended reconsidering whether the funds should remain under the commissioners’ budget.
Why it matters: the item funds plaques and a five-year employee award ceremony. Commissioners said they want an employee-recognition program in place but have not finalized the approach or who should administer the program.
What was discussed: Veronica proposed a $1,000 decrease in that budget line or moving the line into Human Resources. She said, “If you guys wanted to, I would suggest a thousand dollar decrease in this budget line item,” then clarified she would be “happy to” move the item to HR if the commissioners preferred. Commissioners expressed concern about decreasing the line while the recognition program remains unsettled and noted the need to finish the internal conversation about program design before reallocating funds.
Direction given: commissioners asked staff to continue the conversation with HR about whether employee recognition should move into HR’s budget and to avoid reducing the amount until they finalize the program’s design so funds will be available for planned recognition events. Veronica said she would not reduce the line at this time and would bring the matter back after further coordination with HR.
Next steps: staff will follow up with Human Resources to determine the appropriate line for employee-recognition expenses and return to the commissioners with a recommendation before final budget adoption.
