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Board rejects standing department‑head contracts but preserves 40 hours of personal leave
Summary
Following debate about disciplinary procedures, term length and handbook alignment, the board voted to deny department‑head employment contracts while preserving a 40‑hour personal‑leave provision and asked staff to pursue handbook or MOU language as appropriate.
After extended discussion of proposed department‑head agreements, the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to stop issuing standing department‑head contracts while preserving a 40‑hour personal‑leave provision for those positions.
County legal staff said department heads had been consulted and some had requested longer terms and clearer disciplinary procedures. Supervisors expressed differing views: some opposed multi‑year contracts and were concerned about future boards being bound by prior agreements; others said department heads seek job security and asked that the county consider a two‑year term or an MOU to preserve certain benefits.
One supervisor moved that the county eliminate department‑head contracts but retain the 40 hours of personal leave as part of department‑head arrangements; another seconded. On roll call the majority voted to carry the motion. The board discussed next steps, including whether to address the issue in the employee handbook or by an MOU, and asked staff to reconcile disciplinary‑procedure language so handbook entries and any agreement language are consistent.
The motion does not remove personal‑leave benefits; supervisors said they will work with counsel and HR to draft either handbook language or a limited MOU to document differences for department heads without creating formal contracts.
