HomeMy WebLinkAboutUpdate Documents - Human Resources (002)HR Grant County Human Resources
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HUMANRCES
G W A ff I C C M �- RESOUT - Memorandum
To * Board of County Commissioners
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From: Decorah Anderson -Cook, Human Resources Director
Date: 07/29/2025
P,E* Proposal to Implement Invoicing of Labor Relations Legal Fees
Purpose
The Human Resources Department respectfully submits this proposal to request that all County departments and elected
offices be held financially responsible for labor relations legal fees incurred as a result of actions, decisions, or disputes
originating within their individual operations.
This proposed change promotes accountability, encourages proactive resolution efforts, and ensures that departments and
offices are managing labor -related matters in a fiscally responsible manner.
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Background
Currently, the cost of legal services related to labor relations ----such as consultations, grievance responses, arbitration, and
disciplinary hearings is funded through the Human Resources Department. WI -Ale this centralized funding is
straightforward and convenient, it removes direct financial responsibility and transparency from the departments involved
in generating the need for those services.
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As labor relations matters grow more complex and frequent, it is necessary to align legal expenses with the departments
and offices that are directly responsible for them.
Proposal Details
1. Scope of Financial Responsibility:
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Effective January 1, 2026, each County department and elected office will be financially responsible for legal fees and
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expenses related to labor relations matters incurred that arise within their respective departments and offices areas. This
includes, but is not limited to:
• Attorney consultations (via phone, email, or in -person)
• Review of documentation or disciplinary decisions
• Preparation for and participation in grievance processes
• Arbitration hearings and case preparation
• Legal review of department -specific labor decisions or policies
• Union -related disputes involving department/office actions
2. Role of Human Resources:
The Human Resources Department will continue to coordinate with legal counsel, provide guidance to departments and
Grant County? Human Resources - PO Box 37 - 35 C Street TNW - Ephrata, WA 98823 ~ (509) 754-2011
07/29/2025
RE: Proposal to Implement Invoicing of Labor Relations Legal Fees
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offices, and serve as the County"s representative for overarching labor relations matters. However, HR will no longer be
the funding source for legal services driven by department -specific issues or decisions.
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3, Invoicing Process:
Human Resources Department will track and categorize legal fees in coordination with the County's contracted
labor attorneys.
0 Departments/Offices will be invoiced monthly for legal services incurred due to their activities.
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Departments/Offices are expected to budget accordingly for these potential expenses in their annual budgets.
Benefits of the Proposed Change
Accountability: Departments and offices will be more invested in handling employee relations issues
thoughtfully and within policy.
Transparency: Clear financial tracking will identify which departments and offices are utilizing labor legal
services and how often.
Cost Management: Encourages early and collaborative resolution of issues to avoid costly grievances or
arbitrations.
Equity: Ensures that departments and offices generating legal costs are fiscally responsible for them, rather than
distributing those costs Countywide.
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Next Steps
Upon approval by the Board of County Commissioners, the Human Resources Department will:
• Notify all departments and offices of this chancre.
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• Develop internal tracking and invoicing processes
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0 Coordinate with Accounting to facilitate interdepartmental billing
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• Provide guidance to department heads and elected officials on manacrinR labor matters effectively
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We appreciate your consideration of this proposal and welcome the opportunity to implement practices that promote fiscal
responsibility and effective labor management across Grant County.
Respectfully,
Human Resources Director
Grant County Human Resources Department
Dated this day of 20'7-5
Board of County Cornrnissirs
Grant County, Washington
YS DisappLoyS Abstain
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Dist #3 Dist #3 Dist #3
Grant County Human Resources ~ PO Box 37 — 35 C Street NIAT— Ephrata, WA 98823 — (509) 754-2011