Minutes - 19981013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elaine Holmes explained the pay and benefits cost worksheet which is hereby incorporated in these minutes by reference. She answered various questions from the County Commissioners. Commissioner Gordon asked about meritorious awards and how the funding was estimated. Personnel Director Elaine Holmes explained that, for purposes of giving Commissioners' cost figures to consider on the spreadsheet in the report, she figured the percentage of employees who would fall into the superior range at 17-18% and the exceptional range at 7 percent or about 25% percent of employees in total receiving a superior or exceptional award. She said that this keeps in place the WPPR but provides a new way to look at the meritorious service awards. John Link explained his proposal in the recommended budget for 1998-99. Elaine Holmes explained salary compression and the impact this has on recruitment and morale. John Link said that they are trying to respond to the County Commissioners' concerns. Staff looked at two major issues - one is how do we reward the top 5% of employees. It could be one rating or two separate ratings as Chair Brown has indicated. The most important aspect is to be able to move the majority of the employees up the salary scale as long as they are performing at proficient levels. He feels that Chair Brown's proposal would address these two elements. The meritorious award system would reward those who are exceptional or superior. He emphasized that keeping their WPPR is still very important. With Chair Brown's plan, the compression issue would be addressed with greater speed and he supports that. The plan also adds two new personal leave days. Commissioner Halkiotis said that overall he likes what has been presented by Chair Brown. He feels that personnel pay plans can get very confusing. He likes this plan because it is simple and people can be rewarded for longevity and also it provides a merit plan to reward high achievers. He suggested that the Board pursue the COLA option including the market-based pay. Commissioner Halkiotis suggested that new positions be brought forth in February or March. Commissioner Carey asked about the 401 K proposal. He feels that the County should contribute regardless if it is matching or not. This would benefit those on the lower end of the scale who may not be able to contribute. Commissioner Gordon said that in terms of additions, she feels it would be a good idea to do a 401 K and suggested that an equity retention fund could address some of the salaries that are not in line. John Link said that he is developing a plan for those employees who need improvement in certain areas. If the department addresses those situations and the employee improves, he will not get involved. However, if things do not improve, Commissioner Gordon has suggested that he get involved with those situations. Chair Brown explained the two step plan. The first step would allow all employees to progress on the salary scale unless they are rated "needs improvement" or "unsatisfactory". The meritorious awards would reward those employees who excel and we would develop a recognition program for them. John Link said that they would recognize them and talk about what they have achieved. He will develop a recognition program for these employees. Commissioner Carey said that he supports the proposed plan. He commended Chair Brown for coming up with this plan. The information was very revealing. He feels we should at least do as much for our employees as we do for the school systems