Commission updates military‑leave and demotion policies in employee handbook

The Cass County Commission on Jan. 7 adopted two amendments to the county employee handbook recommended by the personnel overview committee.

County staff said the first change reflects action taken in the 2025 North Dakota legislative session that eliminated a 90‑day waiting period for paid military leave; the amended policy also clarifies that certain deployments qualify for 30 days of paid leave instead of the standard 20 days. "The legislature has done away with the 90 day waiting period, so our policy has reflected that," the presenter said.

The second amendment modifies the demotion policy to address temporary promotional assignments. The county said the change ensures employees who accept temporary promotions (for example, two‑year assignments to investigator roles on task forces) return to the pay grade they would have reached had they not taken the temporary promotion — preventing a steep pay cut on return and making temporary promotions more equitable.

Both amendments were moved, seconded and approved by roll‑call vote. County staff worked with Assistant State's Attorney Kate Naumann on policy language to reflect legislative changes and to align the handbook with legal guidance, the presenter said.

The changes take effect as published in the revised handbook; county HR will distribute updated policy materials to affected staff.