Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Governance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners open review of employee handbook after dispute over hiring and termination authority
Summary
A heated, multi-commissioner exchange flagged ambiguities in the county handbook about whether department heads or the board have authority to hire or terminate staff. Commissioners agreed to engage the state's attorney and HR consultant to clarify policy and possibly amend the handbook.
Emmons County commissioners spent an extended portion of the meeting debating whether the county employee handbook clearly defines who has authority to hire and terminate staff. Concerns surfaced after a termination and an immediate job posting occurred between meetings, which some commissioners said left them "blindsided" and raised questions about proper procedure.
Several commissioners said the handbook’s language—referring to actions by "Emmons County"—is vague. One commissioner said, "When it says 'Emmons County,' my recollection as an elected official was that's me and my peers that are elected," and argued the board should vote on terminations and hiring for non-elected positions. Others noted elected officials such as the sheriff have different hiring and firing authority under state precedent and that department heads often act as agents of the county on routine personnel matters.
What they agreed: The board asked the state's attorney and the county’s HR consultant to review the handbook and recommend clarifying language and procedures. Commissioners suggested options including: clearer definition of "Emmons County" in the handbook, a requirement that department heads provide timely notice to commissioners when placing staff on leave or initiating termination procedures, and a formal step to allow the board to review serious personnel actions. Several commissioners also recommended training for department heads on HR protocols and documentation.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the issue affects oversight, accountability and employee morale. One commissioner explained that ad-hoc hiring or termination without transparent documentation can create legal exposure and undermine trust between elected officials and staff.
Next steps: The board will consult with the state's attorney and contracted HR advisor and return with recommended handbook amendments and a proposed notification and review process for personnel actions.
