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the vacant positions is almost $2.2 million. He asked if$400,000 was a reasonable target to achieve savings through a hiring freeze. Donna Coffey said that this is probably a reasonable amount. Another consideration is that the County has only budgeted 96% of salaries this year. The savings would not be nearly as much as in the past. Laura Blackmon said that historically the Board has not added positions over the years but more programs and they are staffing at minimal levels now. To not fill vacant positions for six months would be very difficult. Commissioner Carey said that three months is reasonable, and even with that, the Board should give the Manager authority to fill critical service-level positions. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to institute a three-month hiring freeze and give the Manager the authority to adjust this on a case- by-case basis for critical needs (i.e., public safety positions). This includes all positions. Chair Jacobs suggested that the Manager come back with more detail on June 24th There were three parts to the motion. A three-month freeze subject to the Manager's recommendation for positions with critical need, the Manager will come back and tell the Board which positions may be eliminated and also which positions should go forward. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Chair Jacobs said that he would like another word for OPT's positions because it is not really temporary time being used. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Foushee that the temporary fund for Aging to OPT be reinstated so that approximately $40,397 would be moved to the temporary account. Commissioner Carey agreed that if it is going into the department as a temporary fund, it should be called something else such as Flex Fund, so that it is distinguishable. Commissioner Gordon agreed with changing the name of the fund. Laura Blackmon said that she would look at this. Donna Coffey said that this would be a net savings of$26,986 by eliminating the positions and moving the money to the Flex Fund. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. County Employees Pay and Compensation Decisions Laura Blackmon made reference to the handout last week for overtime—Appendix E-4 (light blue). Commissioner Foushee asked that the Board look at how overtime funds are appropriated historically and find a way to compensate for monies that are not used. This would be for the Sheriff's Department, Emergency Services, and any other that are similar. Laura Blackmon said that the new Emergency Services Director is looking at overtime hours and trying to figure out a way to reduce those. Appendix E-6 was the Cost-of-Living (COLA) and In-Range Cost Worksheet. Laura Blackmon said that the Archer study may show that some salaries are way out of range for the market. She would like to do some adjustments mid-year for those that are way out of range (10% or higher out of the market).