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Commissioners vote to limit remote work; HR to draft communication and handle exceptions
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners voted to revise the county telecommuting policy to make work‑from‑home an exception rather than a regular option, effective March 1; commissioners directed HR to handle temporary or ADA accommodations and to communicate the change to department heads.
Klamath County commissioners voted Jan. 15 to revise the county’s telecommuting policy so that working from home is allowed only by exception, with exceptions to be processed by Human Resources (for example, temporary accommodations or ADA‑related needs). The change is to take effect March 1.
The motion, made and seconded during a discussion that referenced private‑sector “3+” return‑to‑office models, reflects commissioners’ view that in‑office work improves collaboration and public visibility of government employees. Commissioners said narrow exceptions (e.g., technical positions located out‑of‑county, temporary accommodations or ADA requests) should be handled by HR; one commissioner suggested an HR‑managed temporary accommodation period (for example, up to 90 days) before escalation to the board for a longer exception.
Why it matters: commissioners said public employees should be visible and available to the public and that in‑office presence supports teamwork and service delivery. Commissioners acknowledged potential individual needs and asked HR to process valid accommodation requests and oversee communications.
Next steps: the board asked HR to prepare a letter for department heads communicating the policy revision; one commissioner asked for clear, early notice and suggested department heads relay the change to staff. The board set an effective date of March 1 to allow departments and employees time to plan.
