Bonner County commissioners voted to remove two HR generalist job descriptions from the consent agenda to allow additional review of budget impact and certification requirements.

Commissioner (Speaker 6) said the revised job descriptions appear to change an HR generalist certification from a preferred qualification to a required one, which would alter pay grades. "Part of what's happening in these job descriptions is we're increasing the requirements to be the HR generalist... which increases the bump in pay in that position," the commissioner said, asking that future consent items include a clear package showing budget impacts and how many positions are affected.

Human Resources Director John Holmgren told the board that the BOCC had directed HR to make the revisions at a meeting on 11/03/2025 and listed recent job-description changes previously approved on consent. Holmgren asked for clarification whether 'pull out' meant making the item a regular agenda item or removing it entirely; commissioners clarified they intended to pull the items out of consent for separate consideration.

Speaker 5 moved to amend the consent agenda and pull both HR generalist job descriptions; Speaker 6 seconded and the motion passed. Commissioners asked HR to provide the revised job descriptions with associated budget estimates, including how many positions would be affected and the likely pay-grade changes, before voting on the matter.

Next steps: HR will return the job descriptions to the board with cost estimates and a clear explanation of certification requirements and timing so the board can evaluate the budgetary impact before taking final action.