A divided Wayne County Board of Supervisors voted to postpone the appointment of a new Human Resource Director after a motion to delay the decision narrowly passed during their December meeting.
Brian Sams had been recommended for appointment following interviews conducted by a search committee, which included Supervisors L. Chatfield, D. Fantuzzo, G. Rose, County Administrator R. House, and outgoing HR Director Chris Kalinski. Kalinski is set to retire on March 31, 2024​.
The proposed resolution would have appointed Sams as interim HR Director effective January 3, 2025, with a permanent role commencing upon Kalinski’s retirement, at a salary of $117,325​.
However, Supervisor Mrs. Pisciotti introduced a motion to postpone the resolution, seconded by Mr. Johnson. The motion narrowly carried with a vote of 108 to 92. Supervisors Mettler, Fantuzzo, Aman, Rose, Donalty, and Verno opposed the postponement​.
The delay leaves uncertainty around the leadership transition in the HR Department as the board prepares for its next organizational meeting on January 2, 2025​.
KEY MEASURES APPROVED DESPITE DISAGREEMENT
The supervisors did manage to address a variety of other resolutions during that session, which included additional salary approvals, contract renewals, and key department funding allocations.
The board adopted the 2025 salary schedule for managerial and confidential staff, including Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Staff Psychiatrists, and other county officials​.
Additionally, the board approved an amendment to extend a contract with Beacon Solutions Group for billing training until June 30, 2025, due to earlier scheduling issues​.
A resolution to renew an Excess Workers’ Compensation Insurance policy with Eastern Shore Associates for 2025 and 2026 was also passed, with a total premium estimate of $616,264​.
Further approvals included the appointment of Lucinda Trask to the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board​, and authorization for the Mental Health Department to apply for federal appropriations funds to support renovations at the Health Building​.
In public infrastructure, the board amended a contract with Wayne County Soil and Water Conservation District to address dredging compliance issues at East Bay​.
The meeting concluded with reminders for the annual Organizational Meeting scheduled for January 2, 2025​.
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