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Minutes of the Bayfield County Personnel Committee Meeting 4:00 PM, July 2, 2026 Meeting was Held In Person in the County Board Room and Virtually Members Present:, Dennis Pocernich, Fred Strand, Marty Milanowski, Steve Sandstrom, Jackie Roguski Excused: Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison, County Administrator, Kristine Kavajecz-Human Resources Director, Dylan Ortman, Molly Larson, Ruth Hulstrom-Planning and Zoning Director, Emma Grove-Clerk of Court, Tom Croteau-DHS Director, Ashley Stone Meeting called to order at 4:00pm by Milanowski. Public Comment: None received Minutes of the June 4, 2026 Meeting: Motion Sandstrom, Strand to approve minutes of the June 4, 2026 Personnel Committee Meeting. Motion Carried (5-0) 2027 Department Personnel Proposals: Kavajecz reviewed the list of requests being considered for inclusion in the 2027 budget. A summary of requests was included in the meeting packet which included 4 new positions, 2 reclassification requests, 1 hours adjustment and 10 new titles/wage adjustment requests. Ruth Hulstrom presented an overview of the requests from the Planning and Zoning office. Tom Croteau presented an overview of requests from the Department of Human Services. Personnel committee ordinance, draft 2: Abeles-Allison asked for feedback from the committee on whether to incorporate any other small committees into the Personnel Committee. No modifications are recommended. The ordinance will be forwarded to the full county board. Amended Personnel Policy: Kavajecz reviewed the list of policies recommended by the Workforce Workgroup. Final policy drafts were included in the meeting packet along with a summary of the changes to each policy. Kavajecz stated that it is also recommended to add a clarification to the bereavement leave policy that bereavement leave must be used within 1 year of the death. Comment was brought forward by the Zoning Office about the Hours and Breaks policy stating that field staff sometimes have a hard time making time for lunch and office staff would like the choice to not take a lunch break. Motion Strand, Sandstrom to approve policies as presented with the recommended addition to the bereavement leave policy. Motion Carried (5-0) 2027 Health Insurances: Kavajecz explained that the county currently participates in the Local Deductible Health Plan with the State of WI. The premium for this plan is increasing 17.4% in 2027, an estimated additional cost of $640,000. In an effort to help control costs, HR investigated the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) provided through the state and compared the coverage and premium cost implications. If the HDHP plan were considered, the county could also consider reintroducing the HRA. Two example options were reviewed. HR will share the plans with employees to get feedback and will bring that information back to the Personnel Committee at the August meeting. The other option that the board could consider is an adjustment to the employee share of premium. Reports a. Personnel Financial Report as of June 2026. Total personnel costs are within budget. b. Human Resources Report was reviewed. Ashley Stone was introduced as the new HR Director and will start on July 20th. Meeting adjourned at 5:05pm. Minutes respectfully submitted by Kristine Kavajecz