Commissioners discuss payback policy for county-sponsored CDL and EMT training; staff to rewrite form

Daggett County commissioners and staff discussed a proposed payback or reimbursement policy for county-sponsored training, focusing on Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certifications.

Why it matters: County-sponsored training represents an investment the county pays for upfront. Officials discussed how to protect that investment if employees leave before the county recoups the cost through service, and how to craft language that is fair and implementable.

What was discussed: One speaker suggested a full payback might be unnecessary and instead favored a system that is appreciative of the training cost and prorated according to service time. "I would be in favor of, you know, being appreciative enough to pay back," the speaker said, adding that obtaining training on one's own without a sponsor is a hardship.

Staff said two individuals already signed up for the training had started and were aware of the county's intent to require a signed agreement; staff said the agreements should be prorated so that "the longer they work, the less they have to pay." Commissioners expressed support for a two-year period before the county would expect repayment for larger investments, and asked staff to adapt the county's existing EMT reimbursement form for CDL training.

Next steps: Staff (Carrie) offered to draft revised wording and a clearer form and return it at the next meeting. Commissioners agreed to table final approval until the revised document can be reviewed. The advertising contract review and other agenda items proceeded while staff prepared the draft.

Ending: The commission directed staff to prepare a revised, clearer payback agreement that would include prorating language and a two-year minimum service expectation for higher-cost training, and to bring the draft back for formal action.