Committee approves temporary pay for senior employment and training counselor pending HR and legal review

The Warren County Economic Growth & Development Committee voted on Feb. 24 to advance a resolution authorizing temporary compensation for a senior employment and training counselor to support expanded data‑analysis work.

Presenter Liza said the county has an experienced counselor with more than 25 years of service whose data‑entry and knowledge have helped the tri‑county system and that the request is intended to be temporary through June 2028, while funding is available. "We have it in our budget to compensate her for doing additional work outside of her scope so that I don't have to change the job description," Liza said.

Committee members clarified implementation: the additional compensation was described in discussion as stipend‑like but staff and the county attorney said the proposal would go to finance, personnel and human resources for review because it effectively increases compensation. The county attorney said the office would undertake further legal review and consult HR on the enforcement and appropriate mechanism.

A motion to move the item forward was made by Supervisor Bruno and seconded by Supervisor Patch; multiple supervisors spoke in favor and the chair declared the motion carried after recorded 'Aye' responses.

Why it matters: The resolution would let county staff use an existing, experienced employee for expanded data‑analysis without creating a permanent new position; supervisors and staff flagged the need for legal and HR sign‑off before any compensation change is finalized.

Next steps: Staff will route the proposal through finance and personnel, pursue legal and HR review and return to the committee or board as required.