To: Board of Supervisors
From: County Administrative Office
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
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Appointment of Jeff Scott as Director of Library Services, Approval of an Advanced Salary Step and Relocation Assistance
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Appoint Jeff Scott as Director of Library Services, effective Sept. 28, 2026; and
2. Approve an advance step placement at step B of the salary range for the Director of Library Services; and
3. Authorize reimbursement of actual and reasonable relocation expenses in an amount not to exceed $5,000, subject to approval by the County Administrative Officer; and
4. Authorize the Chair of the Board, County Administrative Officer, and Director of Human Resources to execute any documents necessary to effectuate the appointment.
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STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Workforce & Operational Excellence
Strategic Plan Category: 3003 - Enhance employee recruitment and retention
DISCUSSION:
The resignation of the former Director of Library Services created a vacancy in the Director position effective May 7, 2026. Since that time, Sean Hinman has served as Interim Director of Library Services, providing leadership and continuity to the department while the county conducted a recruitment and selection process for a permanent Director.
Following completion of the recruitment and interview process, Jeff Scott was identified as the recommended candidate for appointment as Director of Library Services.
Scott comes to Humboldt County with significant experience in public library administration and leadership, including previously serving as Director of Library Services for Washoe County, Nevada. His experience leading a public library system provides a strong foundation for addressing the opportunities and challenges facing Humboldt County Library Services.
During the recruitment and interview process, Scott demonstrated a strong understanding of the role public libraries play in their communities, as well as the importance of supporting employees, maintaining and improving library facilities, expanding access to services and programming, and effectively managing limited public resources. His experience leading a library system and working with diverse communities will be valuable as Humboldt County continues to evaluate how best to provide sustainable and accessible library services throughout the county.
The Library is currently navigating a number of operational and financial challenges, including budget constraints, staffing and service-level considerations, facility and infrastructure needs, and the need to balance resources across the Main Library and branch locations. At the same time, the department continues to provide important programming and services throughout Humboldt County. Strong, experienced leadership will be important as the county works to address these challenges while positioning the Library for long-term sustainability.
In recognition of Mr. Scott's significant prior experience serving in an executive-level public library leadership position, staff recommends that the Board approve advance step placement at Step B of the Director of Library Services salary range. The recommended placement recognizes the experience and qualifications Mr. Scott brings to the position.
Mr. Scott will also be relocating to Humboldt County in connection with his appointment. To assist with the costs associated with this relocation, staff recommends authorization to reimburse actual and reasonable relocation expenses up to a maximum of $5,000. Reimbursement will be limited to eligible, documented expenses and will be subject to review and approval by the County Administrative Officer. This assistance is intended to facilitate Mr. Scott's transition to Humboldt County and support the county's successful recruitment of an experienced executive-level candidate from outside the area.
On Aug. 25, 2026, the Board of Supervisors considered the appointment during closed session and approved moving forward with the selection of Mr. Scott as Director of Library Services. Today's action formally makes the appointment in open session, with an effective date of Sept. 28, 2026.
The County Administrative Officer believes Mr. Scott possesses the experience, leadership abilities, and commitment to public service necessary to successfully lead Library Services and recommends his appointment, advance step placement and relocation assistance.
The County Administrative Office would also like to recognize Sean Hinman for his service as Interim Director during this transition. Mr. Hinman's leadership has provided stability and continuity for the department, its employees, and the communities served by the Library while the county worked to fill this important leadership position.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
County Library Fund (1500)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
Funding for the Director of Library Services position is included in the adopted fiscal year (FY) 2026-27 Library budget (1500621). Approval of the recommended action will place Scott at Step B of the Director of Library Services salary range, rather than the entry step, which equates to an annual salary and benefit expense of $228,149.
The recommended action also authorizes reimbursement of actual and reasonable relocation expenses in an amount not to exceed $5,000, subject to approval by the County Administrative Officer.
The additional salary and benefit costs associated with the advance step placement, together with relocation reimbursement of up to $5,000, will be absorbed within the existing FY 2026-27 Library budget (1500621). The appointment does not result in the addition of a new position or an unbudgeted General Fund obligation.
STAFFING IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impact:
Approval of the recommended action will fill the existing Director of Library Services vacancy and conclude the interim director assignment.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board could choose not to approve the appointment of Jeff Scott as Director of Library Services or could approve the appointment without the recommended advance step placement and/or relocation reimbursement. These alternatives are not recommended given Mr. Scott's qualifications, prior executive-level library leadership experience, and the terms necessary to successfully recruit Jeff Scott to the position.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A