Humboldt supervisors briefed on maintainer crash, personnel policy changes and new deputy hire

The board received multiple personnel and public‑safety updates, including notice of a recent crash involving a county maintainer, discussion about updating the county personnel policy on phones and driving, and an introduction of a newly hired deputy sheriff.

County staff reported that a maintainer involved in a single-vehicle crash on County Road 200 had been removed from active duty and that the county had followed recommendations from the county attorney and human resources. The county said it is awaiting additional information, including damage estimates and drug and alcohol screening results; staff said the employee’s employment was separated "last week" after those recommendations.

Staff and supervisors discussed the recent change in state law that restricts handheld phone use while driving, which took effect July 1. A county representative noted law enforcement is using a phased enforcement approach: a warning period for approximately six months followed by stricter enforcement starting in January. The board discussed that employers and contractors face compliance issues with hands‑free rules; one supervisor said he had been told fines could be substantial if employers or drivers are not hands free.

The board also introduced Scott Birch as a newly hired deputy. County staff said Birch will complete two weeks of field training and then move onto primarily night shifts.

No personnel actions requiring an open‑meeting vote were recorded at the session; the board received the updates and discussed next steps for personnel policy revisions.