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Commission approves safety-training resolution and parental-leave update; media policy discussed
Summary
The commission approved a safety-training resolution requiring three annual courses (including harassment training) and accepted a parental-leave handbook update; a draft media policy that would limit employee media commentary was discussed but not adopted.
Yankton County commissioners on April 21 approved a safety-training resolution and a parental-leave handbook update and discussed — but did not adopt — a draft media policy that would define who may speak publicly for county departments.
Tyler Larson, the Yankton County State's Attorney, presented a proposed safety-training resolution (Resolution 26-3) requiring three classes annually for county employees: mandatory harassment training plus two department-selected trainings. Larson said the policy was prepared in coordination with county safety partners and would generate an insurance credit if implemented properly. "The training will be provided by SBI. It's online for the most part," he said.
Commissioners discussed accountability and monitoring: department heads would be responsible for ensuring employees complete required training and sign acknowledgements, though the commission noted a potential role for a future HR position to manage compliance. The resolution was approved on motion.
Larson also presented a revised parental-leave policy covering birth, adoption and foster placement; commissioners clarified the intent that leave requests be limited to one request per year to avoid unintended loopholes and then approved the update.
A proposed media policy prompted extended discussion. Larson said the draft is intended to limit unauthorized departmental statements while exempting elected officials; commissioners debated allowing department heads to be spokespersons for their departments, providing special rules for emergency management, ensuring whistleblower protections are preserved, and creating a succession plan if primary spokespeople are unavailable. No final policy was adopted; the commission asked staff to continue work on language and legal review.
The approved training resolution and parental-leave update will be incorporated into the county handbook and distributed to departments; the media policy will return for further drafting.
