Agenda - 05-30-2013 - 2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Voluntary Furlough Program Background On June 16, 2009, the Board adopted a resolution approving temporary cost saving measures needed to balance the FY 2009 -10 budget. Effective July 1, 2009, the County implemented Voluntary Furlough rules and regulations for granting employees time off without pay. The Voluntary Furlough program was extended through June 30, 2013, and will end on June 30, 2013, unless the Board by resolution determines that continued cost savings measures are necessary to balance the budget. The Voluntary Furlough program offers employees the opportunity to work a reduced schedule or take unpaid time off without losing any benefits or full -time status. Voluntary Furlough requires approval by the department director, who works to balance the employee's request with the needs of the department. The chart below summarizes the number of participants and the cost savings for each of the past three fiscal years in which the voluntary furlough was available to employees. Projected Cost Savings of Extending Voluntary Furlough through FY 2013 -14 Staff anticipates that cost savings attributed to offering permanent employees the option to take unpaid leave by reducing their workweek throughout all or a portion of the fiscal year or taking a voluntary unpaid leave of absence will yield approximately $50,000 in FY 2013 -14. The anticipated cost savings is equivalent to the projected savings in FY 2012 -13. Although fewer employees have utilized the voluntary furlough program, these employees have furloughed more hours for greater cost savings than in previous years. The County continues to achieve cost savings from the program, and the opportunity to take voluntary furlough is viewed by employees as a benefit. Examples of possible cost savings are as follows: • An Office Assistant II reduces her regular work schedule to 7 hours per day for FY 2009 -10. Savings achieved: $3,800 An Environmental Health Specialist takes 2.5 months off in the summer to spend time with his children during their summer break. Savings achieved: $8,300 Board of Commissioners' Action as to Voluntary Furlough The Board approves a resolution determining a reduction in fiscal resources exists and extends the Voluntary Furlough program in FY 2013 -14. MR] FY 2009 -10 FY 2010 -11 FY 2011 -12 FY 2012 -13 (approved through 4/30/13) Participants 31 17 18 11 Hours of Unpaid Leave 2,581 1,086 2,182 2,308 Savings $50,970 $23,965 $40,886 $46,944 Projected Cost Savings of Extending Voluntary Furlough through FY 2013 -14 Staff anticipates that cost savings attributed to offering permanent employees the option to take unpaid leave by reducing their workweek throughout all or a portion of the fiscal year or taking a voluntary unpaid leave of absence will yield approximately $50,000 in FY 2013 -14. The anticipated cost savings is equivalent to the projected savings in FY 2012 -13. Although fewer employees have utilized the voluntary furlough program, these employees have furloughed more hours for greater cost savings than in previous years. The County continues to achieve cost savings from the program, and the opportunity to take voluntary furlough is viewed by employees as a benefit. Examples of possible cost savings are as follows: • An Office Assistant II reduces her regular work schedule to 7 hours per day for FY 2009 -10. Savings achieved: $3,800 An Environmental Health Specialist takes 2.5 months off in the summer to spend time with his children during their summer break. Savings achieved: $8,300 Board of Commissioners' Action as to Voluntary Furlough The Board approves a resolution determining a reduction in fiscal resources exists and extends the Voluntary Furlough program in FY 2013 -14. MR]