Supervisors approve multiple personnel changes; county leaders flag need to monitor grant-funded positions

At its June 24 session the Human Resources and Government Operations Committee approved a slate of personnel actions, including vacancy refills, pay above start for a correctional officer and the creation of new positions. Committee members handled several items in blocks, consistent with committee practice.

Key changes approved included creation of two part-time special patrol officer positions (budgeted), reclassification of one full-time senior mental health clinic therapist to a full-time substance-abuse counselor (position was described as serving jail-related work), creation and filling of a part-time assistant public defender position, and creation/filling of a director position combining temporary assistance, eligibility services and workforce development functions. The committee also approved creation/filling of intensive case manager positions expected to address homelessness; staff said those positions will not be filled unless state grant funding is allocated to the county.

County staff raised questions about how grant-funded positions are monitored over time. Finance staff said grant positions are tracked through project codes in the budget process and reviewed when grants expire; if grant funds are not available, departments and finance evaluate whether positions should be absorbed in the budget or removed.

Department of Social Services staff provided estimates to the committee on homelessness: about 110 families listed as chronically homeless and an approximate total of 400 individuals who lack stable housing, noting the numbers fluctuate seasonally.

Committee members approved the personnel items by voice vote and asked that finance and department staff continue to track grant-funded positions and report back during budget cycles.