Committee forwards voluntary separation plan for equalization staff to finance; union seeks transfers not layoffs

County staff briefed the Legislative Affairs and Government Operations Committee on a Watson & Yates analysis of the Equalization/Assessing division and proposed a voluntary separation initiative (VSIP) intended to reduce staff numbers primarily through retirements and transfers rather than layoffs.

Presenters said the department had fallen from about 81 employees to roughly 58 over the prior 14 months, driven by retirements and transfers; the consulting study supplied a staffing range recommendation to help the county “right‑size.” County administration emphasized this is not a reduction in force and said HR would provide a “white glove” process to assist affected employees with transfers or retirement options.

Joe Roselle, speaking on behalf of the union, said the union’s priority is avoiding layoffs and that the union is working with administration to place staff where possible. "We don't wanna be the ones putting people out of work," he said.

After discussion of options and the study’s staffing ranges, the committee voted to recommend the VSIP be forwarded to the finance committee for further review; the clerk reported a voice tally of 7 yays and 0 nays.

Why it matters: Changes in equalization staffing affect how assessing and contractual services are delivered to local units and could shift service levels for municipalities that contract assessing work.

Next steps: The finance committee will review the VSIP and any budget adjustments in coming weeks.