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Washington County committee tables revised discrimination and harassment policy for 30 days
Summary
The Government Operations Committee delayed action on NYMIR'recommended revisions to Washington County's Discrimination and Harassment Policy after concerns about length and internal procedures; the committee asked for a 30'day review and clarification of investigative workflow.
The Washington County Government Operations Committee on May 19 tabled proposed revisions to the county's Discrimination and Harassment Policy for 30 days after members expressed concerns about the draft's length and where some provisions belong.
County Administrator Melissa Fitch, speaking in place of the County Attorney, told the committee the draft mirrors recommendations from NYMIR, the county's liability insurer, and "a lot of this wording reflects what the law is." Supervisor Fedler said portions of the draft read more like material for a harassment training class than a policy and called the draft "lengthy and cumbersome." Mr. Wang and Chairman Henke asked for additional internal review to clarify procedures around investigations and notifications.
Chairman Baker said Supervisors should be kept out of active investigations to avoid influencing outcomes, noting that Supervisors are notified after an investigation is complete. After discussion, Mr. Herrick moved to table the policy revisions for one month for further review; Mr. Wang seconded and the motion was adopted.
The full revised policy text was included in the meeting packet and attachment, listing the policy's purpose, scope, definitions (including sexual harassment and protected characteristics), complaint and investigation procedures, anti'retaliation protections, records retention, external remedies (including DHR and EEOC guidance), and names and contact information for the county's Compliance Officers. The attachment names Melissa Fitch and Danelle LaPann as Compliance Officers and notes the policy will be disseminated to employees on adoption.
The committee did not adopt the revisions at this meeting; staff were directed to return the item after the 30'day review with recommended procedural clarifications and any suggested edits.
