UPDATE: Morrow County has just appointed a new senior human resources director during an urgent meeting held on August 29, 2023. The Board of Commissioners made this pivotal decision in a special session in Heppner, where they directed Administrator Matt Jensen to proceed with a conditional offer for the HR role following a closed executive discussion.
Board Chair David Sykes initiated the motion immediately after exiting the executive session, which was convened specifically to deliberate on the appointment of a public officer. While Sykes did not disclose the name of the new HR director during the open session, the move signifies a critical step for Morrow County’s workforce management.
Commissioner Gus Peterson was tasked to meet with the new HR hire and Jensen to review and clarify Morrow County’s employment policies. “I just want to provide clarity on what are the tools that we are comfortable with,” Peterson stated. He emphasized the importance of discussing recruitment and payroll strategies, indicating a proactive approach to enhancing county operations.
Commissioner Jeff Wenholz expressed his intent to analyze Peterson’s findings in a subsequent work session, underscoring the collaborative effort among the commissioners to ensure effective human resource management. The unanimous support for these motions reflects the board’s commitment to improving employment practices in the county.
This development comes at a crucial time as Morrow County looks to strengthen its workforce and address ongoing employment challenges. The selection of a capable HR director is seen as vital for implementing effective recruitment strategies and enhancing employee satisfaction.
As Morrow County moves forward with these changes, residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about the new HR policies that will soon be unveiled.
Expect further updates as this story develops.
