Board approves direct hire and a reclassification, directs HR to equalize admin leave

Klamath County’s board approved several personnel items in its April 7 administrative meeting, including a direct hire, a reclassification and a policy clarification on quarterly administrative leave.

Staff asked the board to approve an exception to hire Ruby Grineer into a vacant, budgeted tax office specialist position effective April 16, 2026. A commissioner moved and the board approved the direct-hire exception.

On behalf of Public Works Director Jeremy Morris, staff proposed reclassifying an office technician (LH11) to an administrative support coordinator (LH15) to expand duties, add cross-training in accounts payable and addressing, and to reduce operational vulnerability when an employee retires. The board voted to approve the reclassification.

Commissioners also discussed inconsistencies in which department heads receive quarterly administrative leave. The board directed the human resources director to change policy so that department heads who report directly to the governing body receive the leave, and asked HR to document criteria in policy so it is clear in the future.

What happens next: HR and relevant departments will complete paperwork and implement the hires and reclassification; staff will update policy language to reflect the board’s direction and present it for documentation.