Ogle County Board Approves Hiring New Human Resources Director Despite Turnover Concerns

OREGON — The Ogle County Board voted 13 to 8 last week to move forward with hiring a new human resources director, despite concerns about repeated turnover and unresolved administrative issues. The position became vacant following the resignation of June Jacobs, who cited inconsistent enforcement of county policies, payroll and timekeeping problems, union contract issues and limited access to personnel records. Jacobs also raised concerns about budgeting practices, hiring procedures, inconsistent departmental standards and financial accounts operating without proper county oversight. Board member Dan Janes questioned whether the county should review its policies and practices before hiring another director, while Ben Youman raised concerns about resistance to a countywide timekeeping system and whether broader administrative changes were needed. The position would be the fourth opening for the HR director job in recent years. Human Resources and Risk Management Committee Chairwoman Marcia Heuer said the committee developed a revised job description focused on the director’s responsibilities. Heuer said the countywide timekeeping system falls under the county treasurer’s responsibilities rather than the HR director’s role. The approved resolution authorizes the county to recruit, interview and hire a new director.