Harney County court discusses draft telework policy; no adoption, further review directed

Harney County Court reviewed a draft county telework policy on June 4 and asked county staff to refine language before the item returns for formal adoption. No ordinance or policy was adopted at the meeting.

County staff described the draft as an HR policy to provide an application and agreement procedure for employees whose duties may be performed remotely. Court members raised compliance questions about employees working out of state (including payroll and withholding, workers' compensation and other state compliance issues) and discussed whether the policy should be limited to telework within Oregon. The court indicated the policy should make clear that telework is an employer‑driven, discretionary arrangement, not an employee entitlement, and that department heads must approve eligibility.

Several commissioners asked for clear termination language in the employee telework agreement and for explicit statements that telework agreements do not change at‑will employment status. Staff said those termination and modification clauses are included in the draft agreement and that the draft would be revised and returned for action at a future court session. Court members also suggested adding a visible header with adoption date when the policy returns for approval and discussed whether the policy belongs in the HR handbook.

The court heard examples of positions that commonly telework (medical biller, GIS staff and a disease intervention specialist) and asked department heads to apply the policy to position descriptions and supervisory decisions, not as an absolute right for employees.

No formal vote was taken on adoption; the court requested further review and a formal motion on a future date.