Orange County NC Website
42 <br /> Commissioner Gustaveson stated that he was aware that -'_here were <br /> some problems in other areas and departments . He stated that it seemed <br /> if we are going to do something in one area we must consider the other <br /> areas of need. He suggested that the Board take a look at some of the <br /> major inequities and see what could. to done on an interim basis , then <br /> look toward doing a complete salary study before next year' s budget. <br /> Commissioner Pinney questioned Commissioner Gustaveson as to his <br /> interpretation of an interim basis . Iie inquired, "do you want to do <br /> something at a later date or do something now?" <br /> Commissioner Gustaveson replied t.'.zat he felt that the Board needed <br /> to have an opportunity to study the matter and use the same criteria <br /> in establishing any salary increases. "I am concerned about doing <br /> something more for the Sheriff ' s Department but Jiere are all these <br /> other departments who also need consideration. I Neel we should per- <br /> fect the criteria that we use. " <br /> Commissioner Pinney replied that the problem as I see it is that <br /> you can employ other people for the other departments easier than you <br /> can employ a Deputy of Dispatcher because these men now have to become <br /> certified law enforcement officers and all men that Sheriff Knight has <br /> lost and will lose are now certified officers. It is my understanding <br /> that it takes at least a year to train these men and this is now required <br /> by State Statutes . We could lose these men before an interim study is <br /> completed. I do not feel we cai effort to tare this risk. <br /> Chairman Garrett inquired of the County Manager and the Fiscal <br /> Officer if it was possible for them to make a quick check in the <br /> various departments for salary inequities. <br /> Commissioner Walker stated that if we take a look I am sure of <br /> what we will find. We will find inequities throughout the system even <br /> though we did a personnal survey about two years ago. It is evident <br /> that this study has gotten out of line. <br /> Sheriff Knight reported that two years ago when the study was <br /> made the Personnel Director wrote a letter acknowledging that the <br /> beginning salary was one step behind where itsmuld have been established. <br /> Commissioner Walker stated that he agreed with Commissioner <br /> Gustaveson' s statement in that, the Board should look at the entire <br /> matter, but I also feel like this is an emergency situation. "I <br /> think Commissioner Pinney is correct and we should procec� with the <br /> request of the Sheriff and make this appropriation and then do the <br /> study. Do a thorough study, not just a small check because we know <br /> ,�ahat .e ' re going to find. " <br /> Con-missioner Whitted stated, "if we are going to do a study similar <br /> to the one we did two _years ago, we need to start about now in order to <br /> have it completed for next budget year. " <br /> The County -Manager scat:d, "we are c_foing to run into serious <br /> difficulties in obtain a State agency to do the study due to the <br /> time factor as they have a substantial waiting list. " <br /> Discussion ensued as to the procedure needed in obtaining a Salary <br /> Study and Classification Program. <br /> Commissioner Walker stated, "I can foresee problems arising from <br /> the agreement we may make tonight: however, I feel that it would be <br /> better for us to do something in this area and then if we get the <br /> salary scale updated then in two more years we will find ourselves <br /> back in the same situation. As I see it, we *rust get the matter of <br /> salaries straighten out and. then they will have to be reviewed. on. a <br /> periodic basis . All this means that eventually we must consider a <br /> Personnel Officer for the County. It is novtT important to maintain <br /> even balance due to the changing situation and demands of County <br /> Government. " <br /> Upon motion of Commissioner Pinney, it was move? that $5, 521 .00 <br /> be taken from the Contingency Fund and appropriated to the Sheriff' s <br />