File #: 25-68    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Informational Report Status: Passed
File created: 12/20/2024 In control: Human Resources
On agenda: 1/28/2025 Final action: 1/28/2025
Title: 2024 Appointed Department Head Reporting Structure Study
Strategic Framework: 3000 – WORKFORCE & OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE, 9999 - Core Services / Other
Attachments: 1. Staff Report, 2. 2024 Appointed Department Head Reporting Structure Study
Previous Action/Referral: 24-875
To: Board of Supervisors

From: Human Resources

Agenda Section: Departmental

Vote Requirement: Majority

SUBJECT:
title
2024 Appointed Department Head Reporting Structure Study end

RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Accept the 2024 Appointed Department Head Reporting Structure Study and provide direction to staff as appropriate.

Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommended actions support the following areas of the Board of Supervisors' Strategic Plan:

Area of Focus: Workforce & Operational Excellence
Strategic Plan Category: 9999 - Core Services/Other

DISCUSSION:
On June 3, 2024 your Board initiated a study to examine the current organizational reporting structure between County of Humboldt department heads, the Board and the County Administrative Office. The study specifically focuses on evaluating the existing model, where appointed department heads report directly to the Board as a collective body, and explores potential alternative reporting structures, including, without limitation, the possibility of department heads reporting to the County Administrative Officer. The primary objective of this analysis was to gather comprehensive information about various organizational models and their potential impacts on operational efficiency, communication flow and administrative oversight. The study examines both advantages and challenges associated with different reporting structures, providing the Board with data-driven insights to inform future organizational decisions.

Currently, appointed department heads report directly to the Board as a whole, rather than to individual Board members or the County Administrative Officer. This study explores how modifications to this reporting structure might affect departmental operations, administrative coordination and overall county governance. The Human Resources department has prepared this report as an informational item and is not making specific recommendations regarding chang...

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