June 10, 2021 at 1:12 p.m.
Cass Board considers actions on upcoming retirements
Though the commissioners took no immediate action on the proposed timetable for seeking replacements, they did indicate board action will be likely later this year for retirements likely to occur in 2016.
The board already has authorized advertising to replace retiring environmental services resource specialist Retta Freeman, who has retired, and to add a new permit intake person to that department, who will also specialize in aquatic invasive species.
Some anticipated retirements in 2016 include the payroll and benefits coordinator, Doug Stark; the chief financial officer, Larry Wolfe; and the health, human and veterans services business director, Melanie Wolfe.
Administrator Robert Yochum has indicated his intent to retire at the end of 2016.
By 2017, the county also could face retirements from County Engineer David Enblom; Health, Human and Veterans Services Director Reno Wells; and some sheriff's department personnel, Stevenson said.
"Cass County has implemented a unique management program for human resources," Stevenson reminded the board. "The current program gives full control to department heads under the direction of the county administrator for all human resource management activities.
"This management program has resulted in strong relationships between department heads, employees and union business agents. These relationships result in providing excellent service to the taxpayers of Cass County," he added
Stevenson's recent appointment as human resource director was designed to assist the administrator and department heads with designing succession plans for anticipated retirements.
He suggested and the board agreed to update job descriptions and department organizational charts before replacing retiring employees.
In researching existing staff, Stevenson found over 50 employees or 20 percent of the staff have 20 or more years of service to the county. Almost all departments have existing staff interested in moving into positions with more responsibility, supervision and compensation, according to Stevenson.
All county departments have individual workplace safety programs but there is limited training or program sharing among departments. Stevenson, therefore, recommended and the board adopted Tuesday the creation of a county safety committee to better coordinate safety programs.
The board also voted to provide better training for department heads and labor representatives about the details within the county's insurance programs, so it will be easier for employees to understand their benefit options.
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