Commissioners review draft administrative‑leave policy, ask staff to seek union input

On Jan. 6 county HR and staff presented a draft administrative‑leave policy aimed at clarifying timeframes, check‑in benchmarks and alternatives to indefinite administrative leave. Commissioners said the goal is to promote fairness to employees while avoiding extended paid leaves that appear fiscally unsound.

Commissioners proposed adding clear reassignment or temporary‑reassignment language to allow alternative work where appropriate, while cautioning that reassignment must not appear retaliatory in cases involving complaints. Several commissioners requested the draft be sent to bargaining units for review and feedback during upcoming union negotiations.

The board directed staff to circulate the draft to bargaining units and to return to the board with any comments or proposed edits in a few weeks; commissioners said that if no glaring concerns are raised the board will proceed toward adoption with union input.