Personnel committee ratifies accountant hire and agrees to advertise for an in-house grants coordinator while staying with South Central Planning

The personnel committee voted to amend Section 5.70 of the personnel manual to allow employees to use sick leave to cover pay differences tied to workers' compensation claims, approved eight weeks of FMLA leave for an IT specialist and ratified hiring an accountant to replace an individual released in December.

Speaker 10 explained the proposed manual amendment, saying workers'‑comp agents advised that ‘‘the employee may use his or her sick leave to compensate for the difference of the 10% that they will receive in pay,’’ and the committee approved the wording to reflect that guidance.

Jurors debated whether to bring grants administration in house or continue contracting with South Central Planning. Speaker 11, the special programs director, proposed advertising a full‑time grants coordinator position. Pat Gordon, Planning Director of South Central Planning (speaker 13), told the jury that coordination and willingness to work together were necessary, and he urged cooperation: "there needs to be a willingness to work together," he said.

After discussion about past attempts to hire in house and concerns about the level of experience needed, the jury voted to stay with South Central Planning for grant administration while also advertising for an in‑house grants coordinator to evaluate candidate interest and cost. Jurors discussed a proposed salary range (65,000–70,000) if the county hires in house.

The committee also ratified the hiring of Darlene LeBlanc as an accountant at grade 8 step 11; her hire was presented by administration and approved by motion.