Insider Edition #108 - September 8, 2026

The Town’s HR team serves as a strategic partner to departments and employees. The department supports recruitment, employee safety, training and development, employee relations, compensation, benefits, payroll, labor relations, leaves of absence and employee wellness.

Finding and Keeping the Right People

As HR Director James Leon explains, recruiting for a municipality is different from recruiting in the private sector. “Public agencies operate within a complex framework of state and federal laws, regulations, labor agreements, and public-sector requirements,” says Leon. “HR must balance these requirements while finding qualified and talented employees who are a good fit for the organization and committed to public service.”

The Town has a streamlined recruitment process, with an HR team member guiding candidates from their application through their first day. The Town uses targeted advertising and an applicant tracking system to attract qualified candidates, followed by technical and department-specific interviews to find the right fit.

The results speak to the effectiveness of these efforts. Town recruitments average approximately 55 applicants, while voluntary turnover has remained below 3% for the past four years. Town employees also have an average of approximately 10 years of service, reflecting a workforce that is both experienced and committed.

The Town currently has 117 authorized full-time positions, supplemented by approximately 40–80 part-time, temporary, and seasonal employees depending on programs and operational needs.

Safety: A Focus on Prevention

Employee safety is another important area of HR’s work. In 2022, the Town reorganized its HR functions and dedicated staff specifically to workplace safety. Since then, workplace injuries have remained low and open workers’ compensation claims have decreased by about 25% over the past four years.

“Safety isn't simply about responding when an injury occurs,” says Leon. “It’s about prevention, education, and creating a workplace culture where employees have the tools and knowledge to work safely.” The Town’s HR resources include an Injury and Illness Prevention Program and safe work practices, along with ongoing safety training.

Staying Ahead of a Changing Legal Landscape

One of the most challenging aspects of public-sector HR is keeping up with an ever-changing legal environment. California employment law continues to evolve, creating new requirements and responsibilities for public agencies.

For the HR Department, staying ahead of these changes is a major priority. Leon explains, “Rather than simply reacting when a new law takes effect and leaving the Town vulnerable, the department works to anticipate what may be coming and consider how changes could affect Town employees, policies, contracts, and operations."

That work includes pay equity and transparency, expanded leave requirements, workplace violence prevention, employee rights, labor relations, recruitment, and other employment regulations. This behind-the-scenes compliance work is essential to maintaining a fair, consistent, and legally sound workplace.

Supporting Employees Before Challenges Grow

HR is also about people, not just policies. The department works directly with employees and supervisors to address workplace concerns early, to have productive conversations before issues become larger problems. Employee relations, conflict resolution, training, and management support are all important parts of this work. By developing knowledgeable employees and effective leaders, HR helps strengthen the organization from within.

The Value of a Skilled Workforce

At its core, HR’s role is about much more than hiring employees. It is about managing the Town’s most valuable asset: its people. 

While Town Council establishes policies, goals, and direction for delivering public services, staff are the primary vehicle for turning that vision into reality. “Skilled employees are the key drivers behind municipal services,” says Leon. “Well-trained employees are better positioned to provide high-quality service—helping build public trust.”

Effective human resources management helps the Town maintain a skilled workforce while remaining fiscally responsible and a good steward of taxpayer resources.

Looking Ahead

The Town’s HR Department continues to focus on building a strong, sustainable workforce—one that can meet Windsor’s needs today while preparing for tomorrow. 

Ultimately, the work of Human Resources supports a simple but important goal: ensuring the Town has the right people, with the right skills and support, to provide the essential services Windsor residents depend on. Every road maintained, program offered, permit processed, utility service delivered, and community service provided depends on a dedicated Town workforce. HR helps make that workforce possible.