Josephine County board agrees to refill Web and Information Coordinator position, approves higher pay step for selected candidate

On April 23, 2026, at the Josephine County Board of County Commissioners' weekly business session, Michelle Shaw, Human Resources Director, asked the board to refill the Web and Information Coordinator position that has been vacant since March 4, 2025.

Shaw told commissioners that during the vacancy responsibilities for public information requests, website updates and communications were distributed among multiple departments, including the commissioners' office, creating operational strain and delays in processing public records requests. She recommended hiring a candidate at a higher pay step based on prior similar experience in another jurisdiction.

Commissioners discussed fairness to other applicants and the need for consistency with advertised salary ranges. The board emphasized that staff should conduct a salary analysis and improve transparency in recruitment and compensation practices. After discussion the board reached consensus to proceed with the recommended candidate and the proposed compensation level, and directed staff to adopt clearer salary-analysis procedures for future recruitments.

The decision was reached by consensus; no formal roll-call vote was recorded for this personnel action in the session minutes. Staff were given follow-up direction to ensure future hires align with posted ranges and that documentation of salary decisions is maintained.