Kootenai County HR meeting: multiple classification changes approved, purchasing agent reclassified to jail property specialist

Kootenai County commissioners approved several human resources items March 20, 2025, including a new classification for a jail property specialist, conversion of a vacant purchasing agent position to a jail property specialist, and other personnel directions following an executive session.

Human Resources presented an initial classification for a property specialist position for the jail using the "corn berry" job evaluation method and proposed Grade 4 for the role. The board approved the initial classification.

The Sheriff's Office requested conversion of a vacant purchasing agent position (208-008) to a new evidence and property specialist for the jail. Captain Jeremy Howe said that after analyzing job duties, the Sheriff's Office determined the proposed specialist would assume many tasks formerly performed by the purchasing agent and that other sheriff's staff could absorb remaining duties. County staff reported the conversion would increase costs by $243 this fiscal year and $451 next year. The board voted to approve the conversion.

Lieutenant Jeff Howard (Sheriff's Office) requested permission to work with HR in FY26 to create a civilian public information officer to handle press releases, social media, and community outreach currently performed as a collateral duty by a sworn public information officer. Commissioners suggested reviewing an existing communications coordinator classification before creating a new civilian role; no formal motion was recorded and staff were directed to coordinate with HR on classification and budgeting for FY26.

The board voted to enter executive session under Idaho code 70-4-261(B) for items 7, 8 and 9. When the board returned to open session it recorded that for item 7 the position would be opened internally and for items 8 and 9 staff should "proceed as discussed." Those actions were recorded by motion on exiting executive session.

Votes at a glance: - Initial classification: jail property specialist (grade 4) — approved (unanimous). - Position conversion: vacant purchasing agent 208-008 → jail property specialist/evidence and property specialist — approved (unanimous); fiscal impact $243 in FY25 and $451 in FY26. - Direction to pursue civilian public information officer for FY26 — staff directed to work with HR; no board motion recorded. - Executive session (Idaho code 70-4-261(B)) entered and items 7–9 handled in executive session; upon exit, the board directed that item 7 be opened internally and items 8 and 9 proceed as discussed.

No ordinances or budget appropriations were adopted in open session; the approvals were limited to classification and position conversions and instructions to staff.