Administrative Services Committee directs HR to place reprimand in personnel file

The Grand Forks County Administrative Services Committee voted to have the Human Resources department place a letter of reprimand in an employee—s personnel file during a short administrative meeting.

Committee members heard that the employee "accepted responsibility immediately," and staff told the committee they had reviewed the case under county policy. "The reason why we're discussing it publicly is because it was done publicly," a staff member said.

The motion, presented by a staff member, was "to have the HR department place a letter of reprimand in the individual's personal file." A committee member seconded the motion and the chair called for a voice vote. After an initial exchange that showed some uncertainty about opposing votes, the chair asked for confirmation from a member named Cindy; Cindy affirmed she had voted yes. The chair then recorded the affirmative votes and the committee adjourned.

Committee members and staff said the county—s personnel procedures were followed during the review. A staff member noted that she and "Miss Wamsen" had reviewed the matter with Human Resources and followed county policy.

The record of the meeting contains limited detail about the underlying incident: participants said the individual accepted responsibility and that the matter was discussed because the conduct occurred publicly. The committee did not discuss discipline beyond the motion to place a letter of reprimand, nor did it specify the employee—s name or job title.

The vote was recorded by voice; participants verbally reported "aye" and Cindy later confirmed her affirmative vote. The committee took no further public actions and adjourned.

The meeting lasted about three minutes and covered a single substantive agenda item on personnel action.