County human resources reports turnover hotspots, opens in‑house clinic and shifts health carrier

County human resources staff presented a quarterly report showing continued turnover concentrated in a few departments and outlined steps aimed at retention and safety.

HR reported 74 employee departures so far in 2025. Top reasons cited from exit interviews were: better pay and benefits (27 percent), involuntary separations (26 percent) and dissatisfaction with the line of work (17 percent). The departments with the largest shares of turnover were the sheriff’s office (30 percent), public works (26 percent, including road and bridge, noxious weeds and GIS) and EMS (11 percent).

HR said it will begin “stay” or retention interviews to gather earlier feedback from employees and help reduce voluntary turnover. The county completed open enrollment and changed health carriers from Aetna to Blue Cross; vision and supplemental coverages moved to Guardian. HR also said the county’s new on‑site clinic opened Oct. 1 and has provided more than 30 nurse or doctor consults in its first weeks.

On safety, HR reported 22 medical incidents so far in 2025 and said strains and sprains—largely among physically demanding departments such as EMS and sheriff—remain the leading claim types. HR noted ongoing safety audits and a pre‑audit by the county safety committee.

Commissioners asked about the impact of recent EMS compensation increases on turnover and staff indicated hiring timelines improved but turnover effects will be tracked further. HR staff said they will coordinate with department leadership and with the county administrator on compensation proposals and retention measures.