HR proposes expanded training budget, AI tools and wellness program planning for FY27

Amanda Fesmire, Human Resources director, presented the HR department’s FY27 budget requests with an emphasis on retention and professional development.

Fesmire said the county’s five‑year retention rate is about 88% as of June 30, 2025, and recommended boosting training and education funds to $38,000 to support leadership development, strategic‑planning follow‑through and an accountability/culture program. She proposed a modest software line item (~$900) to cover professional generative‑AI licenses used by HR staff for drafting communications, compiling contract differences and other efficiency uses; she emphasized staff verify any AI outputs.

Fesmire also previewed a possible countywide wellness‑incentive program. She said vendor management and tracking could cost $15,000–$50,000 and that annual reward budgets might run very roughly $100,000–$200,000 if rewards include paid time off or supplemental income—options that would require collective‑bargaining negotiation for public‑safety unions. HR will gather vendor bids and return with a recommendation if the board wants to pursue an RFP.