Commission tables safety-coordinator appointment for two weeks while staff clarifies insurance requirements

County staff explained the safety-coordinator position, which coordinates with the county's insurance company on safety requirements, employee training, pre-employment and post-accident testing, and incident response duties. Staff said the position was previously held by Susan Harris and is critical to meeting insurance contractual requirements.

"The safety coordinator position is very important to us. That's, one, they coordinate through with our insurance to meet all the requirements... they also coordinate with our training of our employees," staff said. Commissioners debated whether to appoint a named county employee at the meeting or to allow staff to make a contingent appointment after the individual reviews the responsibilities. A motion by Commissioner Leanne to table the appointment for two weeks passed; staff noted that the Emergency Management/EMA office could provide temporary coverage of functions until a permanent coordinator is named, but the insurance company requires a specifically named person for paperwork compliance.

The commission asked staff to return in two weeks with a recommended candidate (or candidates) and with clarity about supervisor approval and time commitments so the board can complete the insurance-required naming process.