The county’s human resources director presented a quarterly report showing turnover concentrated in a few departments and early results from a new on‑site clinic.

HR reported 74 departures so far this year and identified the top reasons from exit interviews: 27% left for better pay and benefits, 26% were involuntary separations (policy or performance related) and 17% left because the line of work was not a fit. By department, 30% of turnover was in the sheriff’s office, 26% in public works (including noxious weeds and GIS) and 11% in EMS.

Staff said they will begin “stay” or retention interviews to gather feedback before employees decide to leave. The county completed open enrollment and switched medical carriers from Aetna to Blue Cross; vision and supplemental policies moved to Guardian. The county’s new clinic opened Oct. 1, and HR reported about 30 nurse and doctor consults in the initial weeks.

Commissioners asked whether past compensation increases for EMS had reduced departures; HR said it helped with time‑to‑fill for vacancies but turnover rates had not shown a large immediate change. HR and administration will continue retention work and report results to the board.

No board action was taken; the item was informational.