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County administrator warns of high turnover; proposes retention strategies
Summary
A senior administrator told commissioners Seward County lost 28 employees since Jan. 1, described a 14% turnover figure, and urged development of a retention plan, stay interviews, competitive compensation and clearer leadership communication to stabilize staffing.
A senior staff member reported a significant number of separations and urged the commission to adopt retention and recruitment measures.
"We have lost 28 employees since January 1st... that's a 14% turnover rate," the staff speaker told the board, citing national comparisons and research showing higher turnover costs for replacing employees. The presenter recommended a comprehensive retention plan that includes stay interviews, clearer strategic direction, competitive compensation, and targeted recruitment to reduce churn.
The presentation noted exit interviews are underway and that departures spanned multiple departments including sheriff, landfill, health, JCAPS, rural fire, emergency management and road and bridge. The administrator said confidential details in the report prevented public posting but promised to provide commissioners with appropriate summaries and to publish budget and revenue reports ahead of a May 18 public hearing.
Why it matters: High turnover raises training and service-delivery costs and can disrupt essential county programs; commissioners agreed on the need to address morale and recruitment strategy.
What’s next: Staff will provide follow-up material, coordinate departmental outreach and incorporate retention measures into future budgeting and human-resources planning.
