Extra folders added to file paths – media not displaying

I am having an issue with WordPress and the file paths of pdf and image files on a new site https://www.co.valley.id.us . I have uploaded some files to the media library (set to the default /wp-content/uploads) and the media loads correctly into the library with a standard file path. I have also bulk uploaded a large amount of documents via ftp (which are housed under various folders). This issue occurs with both type of uploads.

Through the WordPress dashboard, I am able to insert images and pdfs into pages and posts as usual. The problem starts on the “front end” live site – these images and pdf file paths change to reflect the page they are on.

For example, a pdf with the file path: “https://www.co.valley.id.us/wp-content/uploads/New-Building-Codes-and-Amendments2.pdf” changes to “https://www.co.valley.id.us/departments/wp-content/uploads/New-Building-Codes-and-Amendments2.pdf” if I put this on a page under the “Departments” heading in the menu.

Another example from an ftp upload: correct file path = “https://www.co.valley.id.us/images/pdf/A_04-29-14_budget.pdf” changes to “https://www.co.valley.id.us/departments/commissioners/images/pdf/A_04-29-14_budget.pdf” as this resides on a page called “Commissioners” under the “Departments” main navigation.

I have never run into this problem and am stumped as to how to fix it – talked with several programmers at the company as well as tech support for our hosting and nothing. Tried deactivating plugins…nothing. The only thing that has worked is to change the permalink setting back to “Default” – which is great, except we don’t want the default links, we want this to be set to “Post Title”

Is it possible to force an absolute file path for inserted media rather than a relative path that seems to be adding these extra folders?

Any ideas would be MUCH appreciated!