Commissioners propose uniform grade for county clerks, sparking title and equity talk

County commissioners and staff spent a lengthy portion of the work session arguing that clerical job titles across offices have become inconsistent and that many clerks perform similar duties despite disparate grades.

"We've got clerical workers that are graded from a 1...up to a 7 with a person being here less than a year," a commissioner said, pressing for uniformity in titles and job descriptions. Commissioners agreed in principle to place current clerks on grade 5 for the coming fiscal year and to move chief deputies into higher grades, while instructing staff to correct job titles (for example, to reflect 'deputy' or 'chief deputy') before the final vote.

Staff cautioned that using a single grade for all clerks will likely raise many employees above typical market levels when the matrix is fully repriced next spring, but said the two-year update cycle and the CPI adjustment can limit abrupt single-year increases. The board directed staff to return with an updated incumbent analysis, verified years-of-service, and proposed step placements so that implementation will match job descriptions and longevity policies.