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Jefferson County to move HR work toward auditor's office, board declines contract renewal
Summary
Supervisors agreed not to renew the county's current external HR contract when it expires June 30 and directed the auditor's office to take on HR tasks with limited outside support; board budgeted $3,500 for training/transition and discussed contingency access to employment counsel as needed.
Jefferson County supervisors decided Monday not to renew the countyHR contract that expires June 30 and to direct HR functions toward the auditor's office.
The auditor (Speaker 6/Christie referenced by the chair) told the board the auditor's office already handles many records and could take on additional HR duties with targeted training, including HR‑certification classes quoted at roughly $400 each. Board members cited estimated annual savings of about $10,000 if HR is brought in‑house while noting some one‑off training and confidentiality considerations.
Supervisor discussion emphasized two points: (1) retain outside counsel on an as‑needed basis for complex employment or conflict matters, and (2) keep sensitive matters private by conducting certain personnel meetings offsite or in private office space. The board directed staff to contact locally available employment‑law attorneys to confirm hourly as‑needed rates and to ask whether they would provide occasional services if the county no longer renews the standing contract.
For next fiscal planning the board instructed staff to include $3,500 in the HR/training line to cover initial certification and travel for training. The board also asked the auditor's office to develop recordkeeping and confidentiality procedures for employee files and to bring a detailed transition plan back to the board before June 30.
Speaker 7 noted the biggest operational hurdle will be FMLA and unusual termination scenarios; supervisors agreed those cases will still involve legal consultation if necessary.
