WARREN — John Gargano, director of Trumbull County Job and Family Services, told county Commissioners Denny Malloy and Mauro Cantalamessa on Wednesday that having approximately 100 of 250-some employees at JFS and the Child Support Enforcement Agency work from home has been “working.”

“They’ve become more productive at home,” Gargano said. “I wasn’t a believer of that at first, but the work is getting done.”

A policy to require all county employees under the board of commissioners to work in person was one of 41 items on a draft agenda that Malloy and Cantalamessa discussed during a 2 1/2hour-long workshop meeting Wednesday.

Commissioner Niki Frenchko, who usually holds a separate meeting with department heads before regular meetings, was not present for the workshop, though Malloy said she had been invited. The policy to require employees to come back to the office apparently was submitted by Frenchko and singled out Gargano’s employees.

Gargano said he believes having remote work as an option for some employees has raised morale and acts as an incentive for employees, as it is only available after a year of employment. Not all positions are able to work from home, he said.

The JFS work-from- home policy has “safeguards,” including a way to monitor work and the ability to revoke work-from-home status at JFS’s discretion, Gargano and Shelly Blosser, administrative coordinator at Trumbull County JFS, said.

Blosser said she has noticed improved attendance since working remote has been an option and said that JFS has been exceeding the application timelines set by the state.

Cantalamessa said he couldn’t argue with productivity.

Malloy, on the other hand, said he would like to see employees back in the office.

“Some people are independent workers and can work at home. Some people can’t,” Malloy said. “If you have one that can’t, how much time and money is wasted figuring out this person can’t work from home?”

Malloy and Cantalamessa indicated that they may table the required in-person work policy at their meeting today.

Cantalamessa said he would like more information about how other counties are handling remote work and how productivity and costs have changed at JFS since remote work has been an option. Malloy said that if remote work is to remain, it should be written into the job descriptions of eligible positions.

In addition to discussing agenda items, Malloy at the workshop asked Trumbull County Executive Dog Warden Michelle Goss and Trumbull County 911 Interim Director Patty Goldner why dispatchers sometimes call other animal agencies, such as the nonprofit Healthy Hearts and Paws Project, before they call the dog pound to handle animals. Malloy expressed concern that if a volunteer is hurt answering a call, the blame might fall on dispatchers for sending him or her out.

Goss said that Jason Cook, who operates Healthy Hearts and Paws, “puts himself out there,” and is willing to collect a lost or stray animal at any time. The dog pound, however, has to follow policies and procedures and has limited staff. She said the dog pound typically has between four and six employees and is currently operating with five.

Cantalamessa noted earlier in the meeting that Goss had made “leaps and bounds” establishing procedures. Goss said that in setting procedures, she has had to make sure there are no conflicts with the Ohio Revised Code, county policy or the union employees’ contract.

Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County is the humane society for the county and must handle cases of animal cruelty or neglect. Goldner said as of Wednesday, she had received Animal Welfare League’s availability and hours and a protocol was established for which cases will be referred to AWL versus the dog pound.

Goldner during the meeting also asked commissioners about a plan for 911 to get a new building.

Malloy suggested a “revamp of 911,” in which Goldner would team up with Trumbull County Emergency Management Association Director John Hickey. He said that the two entities could possibly be combined and relocated to the former Bazetta fire station at the Trumbull County Fairgrounds.

“It’s just an idea, but I would like to explore that possibility,” Malloy said. “(Hickey) might be the missing piece you need to make both of you reach your potential.”

Goldner said that Hickey had been considering moving to the old fire station because the EMA needs more space, and she had hoped to relocate 911 to the EMA’s current, recently renovated building. While the idea of both entities moving to the old fire station was new, Goldner said, “I like the idea of us being together.”

Cantalamessa questioned whether the fire station would be “suitable” for 911. Bill Hart, operations manager for the county maintenance, didn’t think that building was tornado or high wind proof and said a 911 center has to be able to survive a catastrophe.

Goldner suggested that 911, the EMA and commissioners set a meeting to discuss further the possibilities.

Charles Leightner, interim human resources director, noted that the county has gotten “numerous” applicants for the 911 director position. Goldner has served as interim director for the past two years, following the firing of former director Ernie Cook on Jan. 20, 2021.