Title
Human Resources Department and the Department of Transportation recommending the Board:
1) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 158-2026 to approve a seasonal Winter Storm Recruitment Incentive for Extra-Help Snow Removal Worker positions starting with the 2026-27 winter season;
2) Find that a public benefit is derived by offering the incentive to ensure critical snow removal operations can be staffed and trained prior to winter storms; and
3) Authorize the Director of Human Resources, with concurrence from the Chief Administrative Officer, to include the potential availability of incentives in any recruitment advertising for those positions and approve and administer the incentives to eligible candidates.
FUNDING: Road Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for maintaining safe roadways during winter storm events, ensuring access for emergency vehicles, supporting uninterrupted operations of County facilities, and protecting public safety in the Tahoe Basin and West Slope regions. The County maintains ten Extra-Help Snow Removal Worker positions that are essential for these winter operations. These positions must be filled immediately so new hires can complete background clearances and receive mandatory training before the onset of winter.
Per Personnel Rule 708, recruitment incentives may be offered for positions designated as “hard to fill.” The Extra-Help Snow Removal Worker classification has been formally determined to be “hard to fill” by Human Resources and the Chief Administrative Officer due to the immediate need for staffing and the difficulty experienced in past winter seasons recruiting qualified operators. The hiring incentive has been included annually for these hard to fill positions since 2022.
However, given the urgency of staffing ahead of the 2026-27 snow season, DOT and Human Resources (HR) recommend the Board approve a seasonal Winter Storm Recruitment Incentive tailored specifically to these Extra-Help positions. This incentive is offered in lieu of Personnel Rule 708.4 recruitment incentives and will instead follow applicable provisions in Rules 708.1-708.3
To address the critical staffing needs for the designated winter season, HR and DOT recommend implementing the following incentive structure:
Total Incentive Amount: $6,000
Payment Schedule:
• $1,500 paid the first pay period following hire;
• $300 per pay period when actively assigned to snow-removal duties and in paid status for a majority of assigned hours (excluding the initial lump-sum pay period);
• Remaining balance issued upon completion of the snow season, as designated in writing by DOT. Employees hired after the first pay period of the season receive the remaining balance on a pro-rata basis, consistent with the formula defined in the resolution.
Eligibility: Extra-Help Snow Removal Workers hired for the determined winter season may be eligible. Current regular and limited-term employees and Retired Annuitants are not eligible for this incentive. Employees must be in paid status for the majority of assigned snow-removal hours to receive the per-pay-period incentive.
If an employee separates from County service before completing the snow season, any remaining potential and unpaid incentive amounts, including the completion incentive, are unearned and therefore not paid.
This structure supports early recruitment and retention throughout the winter months, ensuring DOT is able to maintain critical snow operations, respond to emergency weather events, and uphold public safety.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose to:
• Approve the incentive but adjust the amount or payment terms;
• Direct staff to explore alternative recruitment strategies for the snow season;
• Decline to approve an incentive and direct staff to identify other options for ensuring sufficient staffing levels.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Department of Transportation
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The approximate cost of the incentive is $60,870 if all ten Extra-Help Snow Removal Worker positions are filled at the beginning of the winter season and remain for the entire season. DOT has appropriations in their FY 2026-27 budget to cover these costs.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Public Infrastructure: Enhance Communication for Road Maintenance
CONTACT
Joseph Carruesco, Director of Human Resources