To: Board of Supervisors
From: Human Resources
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Adoption of New and Retitled Classifications for Multiple Departments and Position Allocation for Elections
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt the Vote Center Coordinator (Attachment 1) classification (classification # 0782, salary range 414) into the classification system in the AFSCME White Collar bargaining unit 001 effective the pay period following Board approval; and
2. Adopt the Election Technician (Attachment 2) classification (classification # 0783, salary range 428) into the classification system in the AFSCME Professional bargaining unit 004 effective the pay period following Board approval; and
3. Approve the allocation of 1.0 full time equivalent (FTE) Election Technician (classification # 0783, position # 01, salary range 428) in Budget Unit 140 effective the pay period following Board approval; and
4. Approve the deallocation of 1.0 full time equivalent (FTE) Election Specialist I/II (classification # 0132A/B, position # 03 salary range 348/376); and
5. Adopt the Public Information Manager (Attachment 3) classification (classification # 0784, salary range 504) into the classification system in the Management bargaining unit 008 effective the pay period following Board approval; and
6. Adopt the retitled classification for Psychiatric Technician I/II (classification # 0914A/B), retitled to Behavioral Health Medication Nurse I/II (Attachment 4) (classification # 0914A/B) into the classification system effective the pay period following Board approval; and
7. Adopt the Compensation Schedule (Attachment 5) effective Sept. 13, 2026; and
8. Adopt the Resolution (Attachment 6) approving the amendment of the 2022-2024 Memorandum of Understanding between the County of Humboldt and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees; and
9. Adopt the Resolution (Attachment 7) approving the amendment of the 2022-2024 Compensation Plan for Designated Management and Confidential Employees.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Workforce & Operational Excellence
Strategic Plan Category: 3001 - Support a well-trained workforce
DISCUSSION:
Elections:
Human Resources, in collaboration with Elections, identified the need for two new classifications-Vote Center Coordinator and Election Technician-to support increasingly complex election operations. Elections currently relies heavily on temporary Election Workers, but the demands of modern Vote Center oversight require a higher‑level role with greater responsibility, independent judgment, and operational accountability. The Vote Center Coordinator will serve as the on‑site supervisor at individual Vote Centers, ensuring daily operations comply with election laws, protect ballot security, and maintain uninterrupted service during high‑volume voting periods. Given the significant consequences of error and the need for leadership under pressure, this position provides critical supervisory and operational support that cannot be met through using the entry-level Election Worker classification.
Similarly, the Election Technician position is needed to manage the technical and specialized responsibilities essential to preparing, maintaining, securing, and deploying voting systems and election equipment. This role requires advanced technical expertise, independent problem-solving, and the ability to develop training materials and provide instruction to both permanent and temporary staff. The Election Technician will serve as the technical lead for election equipment operations, bridging the gap between IT functions, election administration, and security protocols to ensure accurate, reliable, and compliant election processes. For these reasons, Human Resources recommends adopting both classifications, including allocating 1.0 FTE for the Election Technician position, to strengthen the County’s capacity to conduct secure, efficient, and legally compliant elections.
County Administrative Office:
The creation of the Public Information Manager classification is necessary to centralize and strengthen the county’s public information, communications, and community engagement functions in alignment with the county’s initiative to consolidate and streamline services. Human Resources worked collaboratively with the County Administrative Office to develop this classification, ensuring it accurately reflects the county’s operational needs and communication priorities. As the county’s principal communications resource, this position will oversee a wide range of complex public‑facing programs-including media relations, digital engagement, branding, public education, and tourism promotion-and provides strategic communication support across all departments. Centralizing these responsibilities within the County Administrative Office ensures consistent messaging, compliance with public information laws, coordinated responses to media and public inquiries, unified branding, and efficient administration of Public Records Act requests, public engagement events, and countywide communication standards. Establishing this classification will enhance transparency, improve organizational efficiency, and provide the focused leadership required to manage the county’s expanding communication needs.
Department of Health & Human Services:
The Human Resources Department and the Department of Health & Human Services - Behavioral Health Branch collaborated to update the Psychiatric Technician I/II classification specification to the retitled Behavioral Health Medication Nurse I/II classification specification. This update was necessary as the prior classification specification was over 30 years old and was in need of an update. The new classification specification and classification title more accurately reflect the work that is being done.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund - Elections (1100-140)
General Fund - County Administrative Office (1100-103)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
|
Expenditures (Fund, Budget Unit) |
FY25-26 |
FY26-27 Projected* |
FY27-28 Projected* |
|
Budgeted Expenses - Elections |
69,469.80 |
72,971.64 |
76,620.22 |
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total Expenditures |
69,469.80 |
72,971.64 |
76,620.22 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
|
Funding Sources (Fund, Budget Unit) |
FY25-26 |
FY26-27 Projected* |
FY27-28 Projected* |
|
General Fund & Fees |
69,469.80 |
72,971.64 |
76,620.22 |
|
Total Funding Sources |
69,469.80 |
72,971.64 |
76,620.22 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
The Elections Department funding source for staffing is 91% General Fund and 9% Fees; while Elections does receive some grant funding, this funding usually does not cover salaries. The budget for fiscal year (FY) 2026-27 already included the expected position reallocation at range 418. The proposed range of 415 is less therefore, there are sufficient appropriations in the FY 2026-27 budget for this position reallocation.
STAFFING IMPACT:
|
Position Title |
Position Control Number |
Monthly Salary Range (1A-E Step) |
Additions (Number) |
Deletions (Number) |
|
Election Technician |
140____-01 |
N/A |
1.0 |
0 |
|
Election Specialist |
1400132-03 |
N/A |
0 |
1.0 |
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impact:
Elections will allocate one Election Technician position and deallocate one Election Specialist upon approval of this item, for no net change in total FTE.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board of Supervisors could choose not to approve this item. However, this is not recommended as these new and retitled classifications are needed to effectively operate the county.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Vote Center Coordinator classification specification
2. Election Technician classification specification
3. Public Information Manager classification specification
4. Behavioral Health Medication Nurse I/II
5. Compensation Schedule effective September 13, 2026
6. AFSCME Resolution
7. M&C Resolution
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A