Kootenai County commissioners approve temporary mechanic hire, permit-coordinator backfill and 35-hour position conversion

The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners on April 17 unanimously approved three human-resources actions: a temporary auto-shop mechanic for the Sheriff’s Office, a backfill hire for a Community Development permit coordinator at more than 97% of market, and conversion of a Community Development position to a permanent 35-hour work week.

The actions were taken at a brief human-resources meeting that began at 9:30 a.m. and concluded at about 9:34 a.m. Commissioners Eberline, Duncan and Chair Metoyer voted “aye” on each motion.

Captain Andy Deak, representing the Sheriff’s Office, presented the first item and said the department currently has two employees on medical leave, “1 is long term the other is on workers comp due to be out 4 to 6 weeks,” and asked that the county approve a temporary auto-shop mechanic. Deak told the board the temporary hire is intended as a bridge to a future permanent opening later this summer, with human resources aware of that plan. The board moved and approved the temporary staffing request by voice vote.

Craig Davidson, deputy director for Community Development, presented two items for that department. For the first, Davidson said the hire is a backfill for a permit coordinator who left and that the request is budget neutral. “I wouldn't bring this to you if we're budget neutral at this point in time,” Davidson said, and the board was told the candidate is a former county employee with relevant experience. Human Resources reviewed the request and, Davidson said, found no parity or compression issues.

The board unanimously approved the request to hire the candidate at greater than 97% of market for the posted position number as listed in the agenda.

Davidson also asked the board to convert an existing combined Community Development position to a permanent 35-hour work week. He said the reorganization that combined two positions into one was made in November and was temporary, and that the permanent conversion yields net savings to the county — “Net savings to us this year is $4,051 Projecting net savings next year is about $7,800,” he said. Davidson added the employee “is doing extremely well,” and that workload in the building industry is increasing.

Commissioners approved the position conversion by voice vote. Meeting minutes indicate each motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

Votes at a glance

- Temporary staffing: approve temporary auto-shop mechanic position for the Sheriff’s Office — Motion approved; Commissioners Eberline, Duncan, Chair Metoyer: aye (unanimous). - New hire >97% of market: approve hiring for Community Development position listed in the agenda — Motion approved; Commissioners Eberline, Duncan, Chair Metoyer: aye (unanimous). Request described as a budget-neutral backfill for a permit coordinator who left. - Position conversion: convert Community Development position to a 35-hour work week (organizational change made Nov. prior) — Motion approved; Commissioners Eberline, Duncan, Chair Metoyer: aye (unanimous). Reported net savings: $4,051 (this year), ~$7,800 (next year).

The meeting adjourned at about 9:34 a.m. and no public commenters spoke during the session.