Minutes - 19990421 - Laserfiche WebLink

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amounts of the COLA and the In-Range salary increases would be decided as part of the budget process, not at this meeting. Commissioner Halkiotis asked about the estimated cost of the personal leave days, and Elaine Holmes said it was listed on page 9 of the report at the bottom. Chair Gordon asked if this amount for the personal leave days was just salary or salary with benefits included. Elaine Holmes said this amount was for salary and benefits. She clarified that it was a value, not funds that need to be set aside in the budget. Commissioner Carey asked about the pay plans of other area employers and asked how this was done. Elaine Holmes explained that they took the approved plans for 1998-1999 and surveyed each of the employers to see what information could be shared at this point about their plan for 1999-2000. Commissioner Brown made reference to the performance award on page 9 of the report. Chair Gordon said that page 9 indicates what it used to be which is obsolete now. Elaine Holmes said that she has shown the current pay plan for 1998-1999 so the amounts that are budgeted right now could be seen. The current pay plan has the performance award. The far right column projects the cost of the pay plan if it continues next year. Commissioner Carey questioned if the employees should be required to take full days for the two personal leave days. Elaine Holmes said that if it were incorporated with a holiday, it would be taken in full days. As a separate policy for personal leave days, it could be taken in units. Commissioner Halkiotis feels that since these two days are considered a part of the employee's benefit package that it is important that the policy be flexible and allow an employee to take two hours if necessary. Commissioner Carey said that he would like to have the personal leave days as a separate policy instead of lumping it into something else like holidays. He wants something that can be flexible but at the same time not propose a hardship on any operating department or agency. Commissioner Halkiotis feels the Board treats people with a lot of respect. He asked that the two leave days have as much flexibility as possible. He does not think that the state gives benefits like this. Chair Gordon said that on page 22, in item 4.5.3, it could just be changed to say "a personal day may be taken in increments of two hours." She thinks this would work if it is what the Board wants. John Link suggested that Personal Days be made as a separate section so it is seen as a new benefit. Commissioner Brown asked if someone did not use their two days, could it be put into a pool to be used for emergencies. Elaine Holmes said that there is a shared leave policy where employees can donate their vacation leave. She said that if an employee does not use their vacation it is converted to sick leave. John Link said that it could be an option to donate unused personal days for shared leave. Commissioner Carey said he would prefer the donating of personal leave as opposed to an accumulation at the end of the year. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the criteria listed in section 4.5, page 21, for personal leave days and if this is meant to be inclusive and if there needs to be a list of reasons. He said he could think of more reasons that would be considered as valid. Elaine Holmes said that it was meant to be inclusive. She said the policy could just say "for personal reasons."