Elizabeth Ward, Riley County's human resources director, gave the commission a monthly HR update on staffing metrics, training programs and employee supports.

Ward said the county's adjusted turnover rate — excluding retirees and as-needed PRN/intern positions — sits at 10.3 percent and that average tenure is about 9.73 years. "So that puts us at 10.3, gives us a place where if we consistently look at that number... we can try to do a little more deep dives," Ward said. She noted five current openings across the health department, public works and HR and said some recruitments have been paused while staff adjust job descriptions.

Ward described ongoing manager-training and Certified Public Manager enrollments and said department-head evaluation materials will be circulated for commission input. She also discussed employee-assistance program (EAP) access challenges, particularly for fire and EMS staff, and said county partners (Pawnee, Katie's Way) committed to more timely, trauma-informed counseling options for employees.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about staffing and training; Ward offered to email supporting one-page materials and to return with examples of implemented manager practices.

No formal action was required for the update, though commissioners provided guidance on recruitment and EAP follow-up.