Commissioners refer storm-day pay policy to committee and direct exploration of hiring county engineer

A public commenter criticized county practice of paying employees when the courthouse opened late during storms, prompting commissioners to discuss the policy and direct further work by the county’s policy committee and human resources.

Tom Stephan told the board he was concerned that staff who arrive ‘‘two and a half hours late’’ are still paid and suggested employees take PTO or unpaid leave instead. Commissioners agreed this is an issue the public raises and decided it requires formal policy language. Rather than adopt immediate policy changes by motion, the board directed the policy committee to work with HR on specific storm-day language and return with first and second readings.

Separately, commissioners discussed exploring hiring a county/project engineer to manage an estimated $90 million-plus portfolio of road projects. Commissioners asked staff to convene a roundtable with current engineering consultants, review a job description circulated by Matt Johnson, and report back. The commission voted to explore the hire and to keep the road superintendent recruitment open until a decision is made.

Next steps: policy committee and HR will draft storm-day policy language for board consideration; engineering staff and commissioners will meet with consultants and return with options for a county engineer position.