Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
ORANGE COUNTY <br />BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br />WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br />Meeting Date: March 4, 2010 <br />Action Agenda <br />Item No. 3 <br />SUBJECT: Budget Related Staff Discussion <br />DEPARTMENT: Human Resources <br />PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No <br />ATTACHMENT(S): <br />Attachment #1 -Vacancy Report <br />INFORMATION CONTACT: <br />Frank W. Clifton, County Manager, 245- <br />2307 <br />Michael McGinnis, Human Resources <br />Director, 245-2552 <br />PURPOSE: To provide information regarding current position vacancies and consider <br />elimination of permanent positions in preparation for FY 2010-11. <br />BACKGROUND: In the FY 2009-10 Budget, the Board approved several personnel services <br />cost reductions. These were required to balance the budget during the financial crisis caused <br />by the prolonged economic downturn. The County Manager is again confronted with the <br />challenge of economic pressures in preparation for the FY 2010-11 Budget. If possible, the <br />Manager wishes to avoid a budget recommendation that requires a reduction in force of current <br />employees for FY 2010-11. <br />However, with the continued financial crisis, personnel services costs must continue to be <br />reduced to balance the next budget. Based on this, the Manager asked staff to identify current <br />vacancies and the personnel costs associated with each position, which are identified in <br />Attachment 1. In addition, the Manager requested an update on the status of each position (for <br />example, the position is currently frozen, is in the recruitment process or has been offered and <br />accepted) and an analysis of the impact the elimination of each position would have on service <br />delivery. The requested analysis is in progress, and the Board will be provided further <br />recommendations as it is completed. <br />Currently, there are approximately 90 vacant permanent positions. Of these vacant positions, <br />approximately 65 positions are budgeted in the County's general fund and 25 positions in other <br />County funds. Total personnel expenses associated with these positions are estimated at <br />$5,000,000 (approximately $3,500,000 in the General Fund and $1,500,000 in other funds). <br />In an effort to meet necessary budget reductions, the Manager has identified the elimination of <br />approximately 75 positions as the goal for reducing permanent personnel costs. Some vacant <br />positions may be deemed critical based on the services they provide County residents and will <br />