Below are highlights from his presentation.
Pay Increases
During the current year, HR conducted a small survey among our peer entities to help determine how similar the County's pay plan is to other similar entities for selected positions. We determined that our pay plan lags slightly behind the market, and HR recommended an across-the-board increase in pay to address this discrepancy. We are recommending an across-the-board increase of 3% for all employees under the County's pay plan. The pay ranges will also be adjusted accordingly to keep the pay plan competitive with starting salaries. There will also be a merit-based increase opportunity, whereby employees can potentially receive up to 2% additional based on their job performance.
Additional Positions
General Fund - 22 FT and 1 PT Positions projected to cost $1,656,460 in salaries and benefits annually, plus additional $621,600 for vehicles, equipment, uniforms, etc.
Public Safety accounts for 16 Positions:
- Sheriff - 1 Patrol, 6 Jail, 1 Investigations, 3 School Resource Officers (1 Deputy at Portal and 2 Supervisors to provide guidance and backup)
- EMS - 2 EMT/Paramedics to complete a shift that is currently 1 crew short, 3 Assistant Shift Supervisors to strengthen supervisory capacity
Other Positions include:
- 3 Solid Waste positions to strengthen program management and handle the growing workload
- 1 IT Program Manager to fill gaps in county-wide technology management
- 1 Ag Complex maintenance technician to assist with events
- 1 Staff Attorney to assist State Court Judge
- 1 PT Office Assistant for the Clerk of Courts Office
Rural Fire Fund - 12 FT Positions projected to cost $930,000 annually plus additional $356,420 for vehicle, equipment, uniforms, etc.
- 9 Fire Apparatus Operators to add a much-needed crew member to each engine
- 3 Battalion Chiefs to increase supervisory capacity
Other Highlights
- Maintains General Fund Contingency of $500,000
- Adjusted budget for supplies and services as needed due to inflationary increases in many areas
- A millage rate rollback is recommended, while growth in the digest will allow for added positions to support increasing workload in many departments
- Fund Balance will be used to balance the budget, while maintaining adequate reserves
Remaining Budget Tasks before Adoption
- Opioid Settlement Fund
- Accountability Court Fund
- The link to the proposed budget document will update automatically upon staff changes.
