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The Human Resource Reference Guide for Local Governments is a project that was funded by a grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation in collaboration with the ND Insurance Reserve Fund, ND League of Cities, ND Association of Counties, ND School Boards Association, and the ND Recreation and Parks Association.

People are the heart of local government – it’s most valuable resource. They are the backbone that supports its mission and purpose. Human resource management is the primary care doctor that assures a healthy government. It includes all the policies, processes, training, strategies and activities that impact staff.

Human resource management impacts everyone in local government: policy makers, elected and appointed officials, supervisory staff and employees are all part of the human resource management structure. Solid human resource management built on a strong strategic vision creates positive employee/employer relationships. Effective policies and procedures that are consistently enforced, along with training, help assure legal compliance with state and federal laws.

This reference guide is not a sample personnel policy but is intended to provide information and various links to other resources in order to assist public employers in North Dakota in understanding the basics of human resource management.

Efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information within this Guide, but both state and federal laws and regulations are continuously changing. Local governments should consult with local legal counsel in both policy development and particular situations of major concern. If there are situations that could result in litigation and your jurisdiction is a member of the North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund, or obtains insurance from another carrier,they should be contacted.