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Washington County Board approves several backfills, adopts 2026 staffing pattern
Summary
The Washington County Board approved multiple staff backfills and voted to adopt a 2026 staffing pattern that adds 57 positions (30 full-time, 27 part-time). Board members pressed for clarity on layoffs, preferred rehire lists and budget impacts.
The Washington County Board of Supervisors voted on Nov. 13 to approve several personnel backfills and to adopt a staffing pattern for 2026 that incorporates budgeted positions.
County staff member Danielle asked the board to approve a backfill for an aging services aide who resigned effective Dec. 8 and a code enforcement officer position that was vacated Oct. 7; motions to approve those backfills were moved, seconded and carried by voice votes. Danielle also requested a backfill for a community services worker vacating Dec. 12 and said a separate case-worker vacancy would be held until January. "I'm asking for approval of that backfill," Danielle told the board during the staffing discussion.
Melissa presented the drafted 2026 staffing pattern and said it includes positions already budgeted for next year. Board members and staff discussed a net increase of 57 positions for 2026—30 full-time and 27 part-time—and sought clarity on how many employees would be permanently separated versus placed on preferred rehire lists. County staff said two to three full-time roles were likely lost as part of recent reductions, and several part-time employees experienced reduced hours or pay; staff also noted laid-off employees who remain eligible are placed on a preferred list and are first to be asked back when vacancies arise.
Board members pressed for more precise head-count and financial impacts before finalizing implementation. One supervisor asked whether the backfilled positions were already included in the 2026 budget; staff confirmed the positions shown in the staffing pattern are budgeted. The board agreed to move the staffing pattern forward for signature and to continue internal review of impacts on layoffs, benefits and hiring timelines.
The meeting record shows the board also unanimously approved a contract waiver that will allow execution of an updated contract with lower rates while maintaining existing services; staff said services will not be reduced despite the lower contract rates.
The board adjourned formal business and entered an executive session at the end of the meeting.
The board did not provide an itemized vote tally by name in the transcript; the minutes record motions as moved, seconded and carried by voice vote where shown.
