Stephens County adopts expanded employee handbook, adds training and education policy

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt a substantially revised employment handbook that county staff described as expanding from roughly 87 pages to more than 300 and consolidating tacit practices into explicit written policy.

Mr. Hamilton told the board the revision is intended to provide documented policies for a broad range of personnel situations and to support consistent decision‑making. He said the update draws on best practices and included coordination with the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG). A new education policy and a program of monthly training opportunities for department heads and staff are included to implement the changes.

Commissioner Oglesby was singled out during the presentation for assistance in advancing the project. Commissioners and staff thanked HR and finance team members and others who reviewed the draft; Commissioner Oglesby and staff involvement were acknowledged on the record.

The board moved, seconded and approved a resolution to adopt the updated handbook and authorized the chairman to sign. Commissioners said they expect staff to implement training described in the handbook as part of the rollout.