Washington County investigating HR complaint

WASHINGTON — Washington County officials said they would bring in a third party human resources consultant to investigate an unspecified complaint related to county personnel.

The vote was added to the agenda by amendment after the meeting was called to order. County Attorney John Gish said it was an urgent matter.

“There was a potential issue that was brought to my attention with respect to HR,” he said. “It was something I felt needed to be addressed immediately, so we couldn’t wait until next week.”

Gish said the consultant would offer a neutral perspective on the county’s internal affair.

“He’s an outside, third party consultant to come in and investigate some concerns that were brought up,” he said. “Having somebody disinterested come in and take a look and offer their opinion to the board is the best thing to do.”

The motion to add the item to the supervisors’ meeting agenda immediately preceded a motion to remove a closed session from the schedule. That session was intended to “evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered,” a purpose the county was required to disclose before the meeting by state open record laws.

Gish and all five supervisors declined to comment on the nature of the complaints, citing their wish to protect the privacy of those involved in the investigation.

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