Humboldt supervisors approve hiring exceptions, property acquisition and emergency declaration; adopt Workplace 2030 initiative

EUREKA — The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on a single agenda approved several staff recommendations spanning personnel, facilities and emergency response while also adopting a county workforce plan.

Hiring‑freeze exception approved 4–1
The board approved an exception to the county’s hiring freeze to allow recruitment for three budgeted positions: an administrative/finance analyst focused on grants and two community service officer (CSO) positions. Supervisor Steve Madrone (who pulled the item for discussion) voted no, citing the county’s projected general‑fund shortfall and a concern that hiring now could lead to layoffs later. Supporters said the positions are budgeted, that the analyst and ASO work will help the county secure outside grants, and that CSOs perform non‑sworn community‑engagement and investigative duties that free deputies for higher‑priority work. The motion passed on roll call with four yes votes and one no.

Strategic property acquisition recommended
Staff presented a plan to pursue the purchase of 803 4th Street, a roughly 13,000‑square‑foot parcel adjacent to the county IT building and courthouse. Facilities staff said acquisition would reduce long‑term lease costs and create opportunities to co‑locate county services; they described the purchase as a transfer of assets rather than a recurring expense. Public commenters raised concerns about the county’s reported $12.4 million deficit and asked where the acquisition funds would come from; supervisors replied that the decision aligns with the county’s facilities master plan and long‑term financing strategies. The board voted 5–0 to proceed with staff’s recommendation to advance the purchase process and return for final approvals.

Local emergency declared for Centerville slide
The board unanimously proclaimed a local emergency for the Fleener Creek/Centerville landslide after Public Works presented drone imagery showing rapid shoreline loss and described the slide as having moved closer to the roadway in recent weeks. Staff reported the slide has been active for decades but is accelerating; they requested mutual aid from the California Geological Survey and Cal OES to assess urgency and inform short‑ and long‑term stabilization and detour options. The emergency proclamation authorizes expedited actions and mutual‑aid requests to protect public safety.

Workplace 2030 accepted unanimously
The board accepted the Workplace 2030 report, a year‑one summary of a county‑wide culture‑change initiative focused on onboarding, staffing and professional development, DEI, communication and employee engagement. Committees proposed practical steps including onboarding checklists and short department videos for new employees, standardized biliteracy testing and pay incentives, Microsoft Teams rollout and recognition programs. The board expressed support and encouraged departments to implement the recommendations.

Next steps and follow‑up
Several items were continued or set for return: the revocation review for a separate cultivation‑permit case was continued to permit additional notice and cleanup; the facilities acquisition will return to the board for final determination, and staff said they will pursue geologic assistance and federal/state coordination on the Centerville slide.