County board approves appointments, adopts revised leave‑sharing and employee recognition policies

St. Louis County commissioners on Wednesday approved a set of administrative actions including appointments to advisory boards, a civil‑service reappointment and policy updates intended to ensure statutory and fiscal compliance.

Appointments: The board approved board letter 26153 appointing Susan Hanke to the Arrowhead Library System Board of Directors (term through Dec. 31, 2028) and board letter 26154 appointing Joe Morin and Robert Lasselavich as alternate members to the St. Louis County Board of Adjustment. The board also approved board letter 26155 reappointing Alan Weidell to the Civil Service Commission and directed staff to advertise to fill an alternate vacancy from the northern part of the county.

Policy changes: Commissioners approved a revised vacation leave‑sharing policy (board letter 26156) that moves donated vacation time into a pooled model to comply with IRS rules and clarifies tax treatment. Administrators said they had discussed the changes with union leadership and found limited pushback. The board also adopted an updated employee recognition policy (board letter 26157) that aligns county practices with Office of the State Auditor guidance; staff clarified that taxpayer dollars should not be used for food or gifts at retirements but plaques and non‑food recognitions remain permissible.

Grants and other business: The board authorized application for the 2027 Bowser Clean Water Fund practice grant intended to support water quality projects.

Each motion was moved and carried without recorded opposition during the meeting.