Minutes - 04-16-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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In answer to a question from Chair Halkiotis about the estimated cost for a consultant, Elaine Holmes said that this cost is based on the cost of other studies done in our area. The nine counties we would use for comparison are those counties that are facing a tight labor market the same as Orange County. Commissioner Gordon said that she would like to recommend adding Alamance, Person and Chatham Counties to the list. Commissioner Jacobs asked how the classification and pay study would take into consideration the organizational assessment that will be done at the same time. Elaine Holmes said that the study will take some time and she believes that they can include the positions, which would be affected by the organizational assessment. Commissioner Jacobs asked what one-cent on the tax rate will generate and Budget Director Donna Dean said 840,000 to 850,000 compared to $715,000 last year. Commissioner Carey made reference to page 10 and asked about the 401 K plan and if the $76,000 is the total cost of the $15.00 to $20.00. Elaine Holmes explained that the $76,000 is the cast of going from $15.00 to $20.00 per pay period. Commissioner Jacobs asked if the idea of not doing a percentage would have a greater impact on the lower paid employees and Elaine said that the flat amount plus a percentage would help with recruitment and also address the lower paid employees. Commissioner Gordon said that she thought a comparable worth study was going to be done. Elaine Holmes explained that a comparable worth study is very complex and it would be extended beyond this study. As part of this study, each job will be reviewed systematically and the study will cover pay equity. Commissioner Carey remembers Commissioner Gordon raising the question about comparable worth and said that he knows that the study would be complex but that the comparable worth part could be an add on to the RFP. Elaine Holmes agreed to add this as part of the request for proposal. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the information in the agenda on recruitment of Hispanic/Latino employees and said that he would like to see the County have a plan far aggressively recruiting Hispanics and people with disabilities. He wants to knave what percentage we are interviewing, how many are offered positions, etc. Elaine Holmes said that that kind of information will be included in the next Affirmative Action Plan. She will use the census information and determine what kind of goals need to be set. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to meritorious service awards and asked if department heads were still included and Elaine Holmes said yes. He asked if everybody an the board feels that should be the case. Commissioner Jacobs asked why department heads would not be addressed through salary instead of meritorious service. Commissioner Jacobs said that he would like to reward department heads another way. Chair Halkiotis said that he still does not feel that department heads should be considered for meritorious awards Commissioner Carey feels we should look at all options available because department heads should have an incentive for doing their best. He would be interested in looking at options. Commissioner Jacobs said that first he feels we should pay people a competitive wage but that meritorious awards should not be paid to department heads. He feels that a department heads should have satisfaction in doing a good job. Chair Halkiotis asked if there is any movement toward rewarding county employees for presenting cast-saving ideas. Elaine Holmes said that she is not sure if the Innovation and Efficiency Committee will address this issue or not.