AGENDA DATE: 7/16/2025
TITLE:
Title
Personnel Policy Amendment
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Consider amendment to County personnel policy to comply with federal and state laws, best practices, and reflect organizational philosophy.
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Herrick, Ruege, Shifflett, Rice
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Foundational work in establishing a government-focused HR Department includes a full review and revision of all County Personnel Policies, which is underway. During this review, staff identified opportunities to modernize existing Personnel Policies to align with changes in legislation and public sector best practices.
County Code § 2-901 requires that personnel policies and amendments be adopted by the Board of Supervisors.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Workforce & Customer Service - Recruit & retain engaged public servants who provide quality government services to advance our mission
DISCUSSION: § P-18 Pay Administration (Attachment A), was formerly § P-61 Staff Schedules, Time Tracking, and Compensation. The proposed changes below are representative of current pay practices and/or amendments to ensure that pay practices are equitable and consistent across the organization, while setting for clearer guidelines in support of financial stewardship.
*Added policy sections for terminology definitions and roles and responsibilities.
*Amended Essential Personnel Pay eligibility to cover onsite work during the weather/emergency event and associated clean-up and recovery efforts. Preparation work prior to the event is not eligible under this pay classification.
*Eliminated stipend payments for time away from work during training and classes that are discretionary and unrelated to the employee’s work.
*Reinstated Compensatory Time Leave in lieu of overtime payments for all non-exempt staff. Implemented accrual caps and payout mechanisms at the end of the fiscal year rather than allowing accumulation year over year that is required to be paid in the future at higher pay rates. This also allows employees to take approved time off as an alternative to the County paying overtime wages.
*Amended the employment referral language to clarify eligibility requirements and allow all staff the opportunity to participate, rather than just public safety.
*Added the Board adopted sign-on incentive payment provisions to the policy.
BUDGET IMPACT: Changes are anticipated to offset each other or generate cost savings. There is no additional funding needed for the proposed amendment.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the Resolution (Attachment B), to amend personnel policy § P-18 as proposed.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Proposed § P-18
B - Resolution