Itasca County approves nepotism-policy exception for Health & Human Services hire

The Itasca County Board of Commissioners voted 3–0 on Aug. 4 to approve a Nepotism Policy Exception that will allow an external applicant related to an existing Health & Human Services employee to fill a vacant Public Health position.

Human Resources presenter Mandy Windorski told the board the relationship falls within relationships described in the county’s Nepotism policy and that Public Health management had developed a mitigation plan. Under the plan, a Public Health Supervisor will handle day-to-day supervision, time-sheet approvals and performance reviews; the Health & Human Services director would provide indirect supervision and participate in disciplinary matters if necessary. Windorski said the measures were intended to “address any potential issues related to perceived nepotism.”

The board’s action amends the strict reporting prohibition in the county nepotism language by allowing the hire when the department puts alternate supervisory arrangements in place and the full board votes to permit the exception. The motion passed 3–0 with Commissioners John Johnson and Larry Hopkins recorded as mover and seconder; Commissioners Cory Smith and Casey Venema were absent for the vote.

The RBA packet noted there was no county attorney review and no supporting documentation beyond the HR proposal. The board did not specify additional monitoring steps during the meeting; implementation oversight will be managed by HHS. The exception is effective immediately as recorded in the minutes.