Highlights from the Langlade County Personnel & Health Insurance Trustee Committee Meeting of May 19, 2026 lcoated at: https://www.co.langlade.wi.us/government/minutes_and_agendas/minutes/
During its May 19, 2026 meeting, the Langlade County Personnel & Health Insurance Trustee Committee moved forward with several organizational adjustments, including approving a new job evaluation framework and refilling a conservation position. The Committee also voted to table the 2026 County Picnic while exploring alternative methods for employee recognition.
The meeting opened with an update to Committee leadership, as Chair Teresa Poltrock nominated Chet Haatvedt to serve as Vice-Chair. Following three calls for further nominations, the Committee voted unanimously to close nominations and cast a ballot officially electing Haatvedt.
In staffing developments, Zoning Administrator Chris Arrowood requested permission to fill a vacant, partially grant-funded Conservation Technician position within the Land Conservation Department. Supported by the oversight committee (WLUPC), the motion to refill the vacancy passed unanimously. Additionally, Clerk of Court Tina Wild addressed the Committee regarding a previous November 2025 staffing action. Following her presentation, the Committee approved a motion to reduce the staffing level in the Register in Probate Office and Juvenile Court Clerk to 1.5 positions, effective June 1, 2026. Later in the session, Committee member Roseann Hoffman was formally excused from the meeting at 3:20 p.m..
HR Director Tim Dahlby initiated a discussion regarding the annual Employee Appreciation Event and picnic, noting that while it serves as an opportunity to bring departments together, it currently lacks a sense of purpose and raises questions regarding its return on investment. Member Roseann Hoffman suggested obtaining feedback from employees to determine if the picnic should continue, while Chair Poltrock recommended discussing the matter with Department Heads and looking into replacing the picnic with longevity recognition. Ultimately, the Committee voted to table the County Picnic for 2026.
A referral regarding onboarding and welcoming potential employees was also considered. Dahlby outlined current onboarding processes and their contribution to employee success. However, the Committee voted to table further discussion on the matter until the broader list of HR Initiatives is reviewed.
The Committee reviewed and approved a new Job Evaluation Methodology presented by HR Director Dahlby. This framework is designed to prioritize fiscal stewardship and internal pay equity by assessing positions across six factors: foundational knowledge, complexity and problem-solving, independence and decision-making authority, interpersonal and communication skills, scope and impact, and physical demands/working conditions. Dahlby will partner with Department Heads to execute these evaluations, with the final results returning to the Committee.
In another classification update, Highway Commissioner Brian Braun proposed establishing separate Highway Worker Operator 1 and Highway Worker Operator 2 roles to allow for internal growth and incentivize higher-level tasks via pay differentials. The Committee voted to approve the job descriptions for Highway Worker 1 and Highway Worker 2. Additionally, the Committee reviewed a $2.00 per hour wage adjustment forwarded by the Highway Airport Committee for specific paving operations roles; however, no action was taken.
During his regular department report, HR Director Dahlby reviewed the HR Proposed Initiatives list. Following a discussion on performance reviews, the Committee authorized HR to develop an evaluation process for Department Heads in mid-2027 before developing a process to evaluate general staff. Dahlby also noted an administrative issue regarding the Serve You Rx contract, which went into effect on January 1, 2026, stating that officials have been unable to locate a signed copy of the contract.
Rounding out the meeting, HR Generalist Chris Dulmes provided a brief recruiting update, noting recent interviews for Economic Support, phone interviews for limited-term employees (LTEs), and interviews for a Social Worker position.
Approved the minutes from the March 31, 2026, Personnel Committee meeting and the Joint Administrative Finance and Personnel Committee meeting.
Elected Chet Haatvedt as Vice-Chair of the Personnel and Health Insurance Trustee Committee.
Tabled the 2026 County Picnic to explore longevity recognition alternatives through Department Head feedback.
Authorized refilling the vacant, partially grant-funded Conservation Technician position.
Approved reducing the Register in Probate and Juvenile Court Clerk staffing to 1.5 positions, effective June 1, 2026.
Approved the new job descriptions for Highway Worker 1 and Highway Worker 2.
Approved the proposed Job Evaluation Methodology framework.
Tabled the onboarding referral pending a review of upcoming HR Initiatives.
Directed HR to establish a Department Head evaluation process by mid-2027.
The next regular meeting of the Personnel & Health Insurance Trustee Committee is scheduled for June 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
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