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Monongalia County commissioners push forward on independent HR department after public comment
Summary
After a public comment from former Morgantown mayor Marty Schamberger, county commissioners said they are continuing efforts to establish an independent human resources department, citing an existing consultancy with Align HR and recent candidate interviews.
Morgantown resident and former mayor Marty Schamberger urged Monongalia County commissioners on the record to clarify what services the county receives from Align HR and to move toward establishing a full, independent human resources department.
The matter drew extended discussion from commissioners, who described an ongoing effort to consolidate an employee handbook, interview candidates for an HR position and rely on an outside consultant while a dedicated department is formed.
Schamberger said he noticed the county’s contract with Align HR on the county’s open checkbook and asked the commission to explain what the contract covered. “I know, it appeared to me last week's meeting got a little contentious,” Schamberger said during public comment, and he asked commissioners to clarify Align HR’s role and whether the county will develop an in-house HR function.
Commissioner Sean said the commission has “been struggling for for years to finally get an independent HR department,” and described Align HR as a consultant rather than a replacement for a county-run unit. He said the county has used Align HR since July 2022, that Align initially met biweekly and now meets monthly with county staff, and that the firm provided a draft employee handbook and support on personnel matters for the sheriff’s office.
A second commissioner (name not specified in the record) said this is his third term and that the commission is “so close now” to establishing a separate HR office. Commissioners said they have conducted at least one round of candidate interviews for a dedicated HR hire, have identified office space for an HR presence, and expect another round of interviews soon. They declined to give a firm hiring date but said they hope to make further progress within the coming year.
Commissioners also said they have attempted to consolidate policy under a single county employee handbook and invited other elected officials to adopt that handbook; they noted some elected offices have not signed on. The commission emphasized it can use budget authority to provide countywide HR services even if independently elected offices choose not to participate.
No formal vote was taken during the discussion. Commissioners said Align HR would continue to provide consulting support while the county completes hiring and handbook consolidation.
