Minutes - 06-13-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Gordon asked about the figure for the cost of living increase and where it came from. Elaine Holmes said that there were a number of resources for this figure, but that Orange County got it from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The 1999 calendar year was used. Chair Carey asked about the increase of employees contributing to the 401 (k) program. Elaine Holmes said that there was extensive information given to employees when matching 401 (k} was implemented. The Board discussed how to handle the items and whether there should be a vote after each one. Commissioner Jacobs said that he thought the Board would discuss the items tonight, and then make specific recommendations later. Chair Carey said that any changes to the resolution would have to be made by June 15t" at the latest. John Link will bring a draft resolution an June 15t" for the Board to make any final changes. The resolution will be ready for adoption an June 20t" Commissioner Gordon suggested flagging things the Board would like more information or investigation on. She would like to talk more about the pay plan. Chair Carey said that a decision was made last year to pursue a pay plan for two years and he thinks that the Board should follow through with this to be consistent. He thinks that a change would be demoralizing to the staff and would also be dysfunctional. Commissioner Gordon does not want to touch the plan; she only wants to question the cost of living increase of 3°~ and the in-range salary adjustment of 2.5°l°. Chair Carey said that these numbers were necessary to recruit and retain employees. There is a tough market and Orange County needs to be competitive. Commissioner Halkiotis said that there should be same encouragement for people on the low end to take advantage of the tuition reimbursement. He asked if there was training available for employees to advance in the County. Elaine Holmes said that they were working on developing a trainee salary progression for telecammunicators. Commissioner Jacobs thinks that 2.75°~ is sufficient for the cost of living increase because he would like to see some cuts made in the budget. He said that far the last two years, the COLA was higher than the actual cost of living increase and there was still a problem with recruiting. Commissioner Gordon agrees. Commissioner Brown does not want to debate. She has a commitment to the pay plan and she thinks it has direct value to the employees. Chair Carey said that every year the Board has this discussion, and it bothers him that every year the Board seems to want to cut the budget by cutting the pay increase far County employees. He does not feel that it is right. Commissioner Halkiotis requested that the Board come back to this item. Chair Carey said that the Board could go through these items, approving the Manager's recommendation, unless a change is made on June 15t" Commissioner Brown requested information {to bring back in the fall) on why it is so difficult to retain Solid Waste Convenience Center Operators and Custodians. John Link asked for clarification between June 15t" and 20t" Chair Carey said that the intent was to reach as many final conclusions on June 15t" as possible. The goal is still to adopt the Resolution of Intent on June 20t" 3. New Staff Resources (including discussion of alternative resources) Social Worker position (Department on Aging): The Board was in favor of this position. Child Support Enforcement Officer (permanentlfull-time): This position is intended to address, in particular, the people on welfare who must be able to be independent within five years and child support is very critical to accomplishing the welfare reform goal. The board was in favor of this position. Code Enforcement Officer (Planning Department):