Rock County’s Health Services Committee recommends that the full Rock County Board discontinue the COVID-19 vaccine mandate at Rock Haven nursing home.
The committee passed a resolution for the recommendation Tuesday morning, with supervisor Ron Bomkamp voting against it.
The resolution introduced by supervisor Rick Richards argues that Rock County correctional officers have not had the vaccine mandated despite working with a vulnerable population in the jail, so Rock Haven staff should not be treated differently than other county employees.
The county is facing a potential lawsuit from an attorney representing nearly a dozen laid-off workers from the nursing home.
Corporation counsel Richard Greenlee said the resolution to discontinue the mandate will not resolve the legal claim against them, and the county still holds firm that the mandate is legal.
Even if the mandate is ended, Greenlee said the county is not legally obligated to automatically reinstate the 14 employees in “layoff status.”
Human Resources Director Annette Mikula said Rock Haven has already filled the positions of four of the laid-off employees, but they could potential be rehired into other roles.
The full Rock County Board is expected to vote on removing the Rock Haven vaccine mandate at its May 27 meeting.
