All three commissioners voted to extend the call-back period for union employees laid off in late 2008. The local Teamsters Union to voted to accept some modifications of the original contract allowing employed workers to turn down temporary positions without affecting their seniority status.
Commissioner Andy Jackson advised that he has surveyed many of the county’s roads and they have fallen into serious disrepair. Jackson pointed to the road master, John Rowe, and advised the department doesn’t currently have the manpower to properly maintain the roads and they will be working through the budget to find funds to replace some positions.
Sheriff Zanni prepared a report detailing the cost to the county in overtime, extra help and compensatory pay totaling $335,302.03 due to under-staffing in the Sheriff’s Department. Zanni proposed hiring three new deputies would save the department more than $171,000 and reduce stress on the over burdened staff and boost morale.
While it is understood that during a training period for new staff, immediate budget relief would not be obvious, the long term benefits will pay for the short term investment. Again, the board voted unanimously to allow the sheriff to move forward with his plan. Whitty, who voted for the layoffs in both departments and was intractable about her decisions, today twice voted to undo her earlier decisions.
The road department may take a cue from the sheriff. Considering the reportedly high amount of overtime at the road department, rehiring a few full time employees may be a cost savings with a quicker return because there is still a pool of experienced workers. Factoring in the deteriorating state of the county roads will more than justify the costs of more staff.
Today’s votes herald a new dawn in in how the county treats its employees but I wonder if some management positions may be short lived. Rowe’s admission he doesn’t have the staff is in direct contrast to earlier claims that he could handle the maintenance needs of the county. Repeatedly, he has urged the commission to purchase new equipment that has sat idle, even running out warranty, for lack of staff to operate it.
Apparently, all the deputies found new employment with more stable counties so the only old face to return will be Shane Shobar, currently recovering from injuries received while serving in Iraq.
This is good news Mary. It would be great to see the Road Dept.re-hire some laid off workers, and Sheriff personnel. I definitely think they are Top heavy in Management and are way over paid. They have Management people doing the work of laid off people because they can’t take care of the roads, as Andy stated. Way too much overtime being paid out. That was a good article.