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Klamath County to finalize administrative leave policy after union bargaining
Summary
Human Resources presented additions to an administrative leave policy—rules on job-abandonment notice, contact information, confidentiality and manager liability—and the Board agreed to finalize the policy after collective bargaining with unions.
Sue Baumgart of Klamath County Human Resources presented recommended revisions to the county's Administrative Leave policy during the Jan. 20 Board meeting.
Baumgart proposed adding criteria to treat an employee on leave who fails to respond within three consecutive working days as voluntarily resigning or abandoning their job, and requiring employees on leave to maintain up-to-date contact information. The draft also includes confidentiality provisions for investigations, particularly whistleblower matters, and outlines possible disciplinary actions for confidentiality breaches.
Commissioner Minty drew attention to a section that states managers or department heads who act contrary to Human Resources and County Counsel advice could be held personally and legally liable for damages, underscoring the need for adherence to policy guidance. Baumgart said the policy draft has been shared with all unions ahead of bargaining and received some feedback and acknowledgments.
The Board agreed to finalize and adopt the policy after collective bargaining sessions conclude; no formal vote to adopt the policy was recorded at the Jan. 20 meeting.
Next steps: Human Resources will continue negotiations with unions and return to the Board with a finalized policy for formal adoption.
Sources: Remarks by Sue Baumgart to the Board of Commissioners on Jan. 20, 2026; meeting transcript.
