Minutes - 20080617 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to reduce the COLA from 2.5% to 2.0%, which would save $200,000. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to reduce In-Range increases from 1%-3% to 1%-2%, which saves $25,500. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Foushee said that, with the Archer study, when a pay and classification study is done, there is a psychological expectation that something will happen. She thinks that the amount of money that is being put into reserve to address any recommendations that may come forward is too much. She does not think that the County can afford it. She thinks that people need money now and the COLA and In-Range adjustment provides some relief from the economic situation as it is. She said that this is something that the majority of employees are not going to realize in this budget year. Recommendations that are going to be made will come in late summer or early fall, and any adjustment will be made in the next budget. Commissioner Carey added that if$225,000 is going to be cut from the budget that $100,000 should be put back into the COLA. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to remove the $225,000 budgeted for equity retention and raise the COLA from 2.0% to 2.25%, thereby saving $125,000. Commissioner Nelson said that he understands the sentiments, but he has seen the effects of not dealing with compression, and he cannot cut money out. He did not want to reduce the COLA at all because he wants to protect the existing employees. Commissioner Foushee agreed with him and said that she is not suggesting that the County not implement recommendations, but that it delays putting money into a reserve to address the recommendations prior to 2009-2010. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Alternative Scenarios For Possible Modifications to the FY 2008-09 Recommended Budget Donna Coffey said that the County Commissioners have reduced the General Fund budget by $2.774 million so far, which is a reduction of 2.2 cents. This includes the $660,000 for the teacher salaries. Chair Jacobs said that% of the cuts are coming from the County so far. Chair Jacobs suggested renovating the Link Center over two fiscal years instead of one. There is $1,000,000 in pay-as-you-go and $600,000 could be put in this year. Commissioner Nelson suggested delaying it and Chair Jacobs said that the meeting room is needed and the renovation of the offices could be put off. Commissioner Gordon said that she would like to delay it and Commissioner Foushee agreed. Laura Blackmon said that if it were to be paid over two years, the project would be started toward the end of this fiscal year and be finished next fiscal year so that it spans two