A key topic of the meeting was the approval of amendments to the North County Employee Handbook. These amendments aimed to simplify and clarify employee benefits related to vacation accrual and compensation upon separation from employment. The changes ensure that all employees who have separated since July 1, 2025, receive fair compensation for accrued but unused vacation days. The legal counsel reassured the commissioners that the amendments would not adversely affect any employees retroactively. A commissioner raised concerns about the retroactive nature of these changes, questioning if existing benefits might be compromised. Legal counsel emphasized the positive impact of the amendments, assuring that the intention was to equalize benefits for all employees, whether they retire, resign, or are dismissed. The motion to amend the handbook, which included precise language regarding vacation entitlement after twelve months of service, was presented, seconded, and passed unanimously via roll call vote.

Following the handbook discussion, the commissioners moved to the formal signing of contracts with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Local 2417. The county director noted that an agreement regarding contractual benefits had been reached earlier in the fiscal year, set to begin on July 1, 2025, and last for three years. After minor edits to the document, a motion to authorize the signing of the contracts was made, seconded, and approved unanimously through a roll call vote.

In other personnel matters, the board addressed several resignations and appointments. A list of resignations for seasonal golf associates, with varying effective dates, was approved unanimously after a roll call vote. Additionally, the board approved the appointments for student labor positions at the North County Agricultural High School and addressed an address change for a cafeteria worker. The resignation of three coaching positions, effective November 20, 2025, and the retirement of Mark Ket, the director of IT, effective March 26, 2026, were also approved without dissent. A notice of wage adjustment for Patrick Higgins, the county surveyor, retroactive to July 12, 2025, received unanimous approval as well.

The meeting included a report from the procurement department, which noted no new bids or contract awards for the week. This was followed by a discussion of proposed revisions to the North County employee handbook regarding vacation payouts for non-union employees. The proposal aimed to streamline language by removing provisions related to resignation, retirement, and death payouts while retaining the allowance for carrying over unused vacation days. The board planned to vote on these handbook revisions at the next meeting.

Additionally, updates from the county director included the scheduling of the next County Commissioners Association meeting for January 30, 2026, to be hosted in Plymouth. The director also mentioned the ongoing recruitment process for a carpenter position, noting that a preferred candidate was being considered. A reminder was issued to department heads to submit any supplemental funding requests by December 3, emphasizing the importance of meeting deadlines.

The director highlighted the completion of a building management system installation at the Denim District Court, which would allow for improved control over heating, ventilation, and air conditioning from remote and desktop platforms. A closure meeting was planned to finalize the project and begin training, with quotes for expanding the system to other county buildings expected soon. This upgrade was anticipated to enhance energy efficiency and cost savings.

In a collaborative effort, the assistant county director and the county director had met with the new school superintendent, expressing satisfaction with their discussions and optimism for future cooperation. The superintendent was described as approachable and willing to collaborate on shared interests.