Commission declines broad holiday pay change; approves limited amendment outcome

Human Resources Director Carrie Elling proposed a one‑time holiday pay change for 2025: a half‑day on Christmas Eve and a full day on Dec. 26, with an estimated additional cost of about $6,000 above existing holiday pay. Commissioners debated whether the county previously agreed to follow the state schedule and whether additional paid time off should be added to the budget.

Public commenters urged the board not to add budgeted holiday pay, arguing employees can use PTO. Commissioners debated whether the county would pay overtime for critical employees (snow removal) called in on a holiday. An amendment was proposed to limit the change to giving employees the Friday after Christmas off and retain the half‑day as a working day; that amendment was put to public comment and a roll call. The board considered withdrawing the previously passed motion and then took public comment on the amendment.

After discussion and roll call votes, the amendment and motions resulted in outcomes recorded in the minutes (motions to amend, withdraw, and call the question were made). The meeting record shows conflicting votes and multiple roll calls; the chair announced motions did not carry at points and then later recorded the final roll calls. Public concern about adding an unbudgeted day of pay was a dominant theme. The meeting minutes indicate no broad, permanent change was adopted at that time; staff clarified budgetary impacts and overtime implications for snow removal would remain.