The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in special session on Wednesday, April 29, 1993, at 2:00 p.m., in the Board of County Commissioner's Meeting Room, Lake County Administration Building, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: G. Richard Swartz, Jr., Chairman; Catherine Hanson, Vice Chairman; Rhonda H. Gerber; Don Bailey; and Welton G. Cadwell. Others present were: Annette Star Lustgarten, County Attorney; Peter F. Wahl, County Manager; Ava Kronz, BCC Office Manager; Lois Martin, Director of Human Resources; and Toni M. Riggs, Deputy Clerk.
HUMAN RESOURCES/COUNTY EMPLOYEES
PERSONNEL CHANGE REQUESTS - MID-YEAR (FY 1992/93)
BCC Administrative Support
On a motion by commr. Bailey, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change request for the BCC Administrative Support section, as recommended by the County Manager:
RECLASS/ FM: Information Clerk 116-01 $286.00
UPGRADE TO: Secretary III 122-01
Office of Budget
Discussion occurred regarding the request for a new Budget Technician, in the amount of $11,428.00. The County Manager had recommended considering this in the FY 1993/94. It was noted that currently there is a temporary part-time position in this office, and the County has been budgeting approximately $10,000.00 per year, for several years, for this position.
Mr. Pete Wahl, County Manager, stated that he has made this recommendation, because a position was added to this office on October 1, 1992. Ms. Eleanor Anderson, Director, Office of Budget, stated that this was the first position that has been added since the office was established.
Discussion occurred regarding the amount of dollars being spent for part-time positions, and overtime that is being paid.
Commr. Hanson stressed that the Board needed to look at the direction it was taking on personnel issues, and stated concerns for the need to prioritize positions that are required, and to determine which positions will accomplish the needs of the different departments.
Ms. Eleanor Anderson, Director, Office of Budget, appeared before the Board to discuss the request being made. She addressed the major changes that have taken place in her office, due to reorganization, and to the accounting system. She discussed the problem of losing over-qualified personnel, and also the accumulated expense for compensatory time that is being paid to the present personnel, who have been putting in extra time.
After some discussion, Commr. Hanson recommended keeping the part-time position, until the Board discusses the new budget, so that the Board does not get locked in with a new position.
It was noted that the request for the new Budget Technician was not being recommended by the County Manager, and therefore, did not need action by the Board.
County Attorney
Ms. Annette Star Lustgarten, County Attorney, explained the requests being made by the County Attorney's Office. She stated that she is creating three (3) classifications of County Attorneys: Senior County Attorney, Assistant County Attorney II, and Assistant County Attorney I. She further explained that the permanent part-time (P-PT) position will be for additional clerical help.
It was noted that all requests being made for the County Attorney were being recommended for approval by the County Manager.
Discussion occurred regarding the creation of a position that would not be filled, with Ms. Lustgarten explaining that she is establishing a classification system for her office. Ms. Lois Martin, Director of Human Resources, addressed this issue and informed the Board that there are many classifications that have not been filled.
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change request for the County Attorney, as recommended by the County Manager, for classification purposes only, and with no fiscal impact:
ADD/ Asst. County Attorney 613-00 $0.00
To Classification Plan Only 606-00
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change request for the County Attorney, as recommended by the County Manager:
TITLE FM: Asst. County Attorney 613-00 $0.00
CHANGE TO: Asst. Co. Attorney II 613-00
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried, the Board approved the following personnel change request for the County Attorney, as recommended by the County Manager:
RECLASS/ FM: Asst. County Attorney 613-00 $2,694.00
UPGRADE TO: Sr. Asst. Co. Atty. 620-00
The motion was carried by a 4-0 vote, with Commr. Hanson voting "no".
Discussion occurred regarding the request for the Secretary II (P-PT) position. Mr. Wahl stated that the intent of this request is to try and distribute the cost of the Attorney's Office from some of the special taxing districts, special revenue funds, etc, that are not contributing at this point in time.
Commr. Hanson reiterated her concerns regarding the fiscal impact that will be made to the budget, if such requests are approved.
Commr. Bailey stated that he will support this request now, knowing that changes will need to be made in the 1993-94 budget.
Commr. Swartz stated that, if this Board wants to go forward with a more in depth review of prioritizing, as Broward County did, it needs to realize the fiscal impact involved in doing this.
On a motion by Commr. Gerber, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried, the Board approved the following personnel change request for the County Attorney, as recommended by the County Manager:
NEW Secretary II (P-PT) 120-01 $5,937.00
The motion was carried by a 4-1 vote, with Commr. Hanson voting "no".
Office of Budget
Commr. Swartz discussed the request for a new budget technician, and suggested that, rather than going with a new full time position, the Board approve to complete the balance of the year with a permanent part-time position, with the new position being considered for the new budget year.
Mr. Pete Wahl, County Manager, stated that he could support the permanent part-time position, if the dollars are available in the budget.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change request for the Office of Budget section, with funds that are available in Other Personal Services, or Overtime line items:
P-PT Budget Technician 126-01
Community Services/Health Services/Social Services
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change request for the Community Services/Health Services/Social Services section, as recommended by the County Manager:
TITLE FM: General Svcs. Coord. 607-00 $0.00
CHANGE TO: Human Services Mgr. 607-00
Deputy County Manager/Information Services/E-911 Services
Discussion occurred regarding the personnel changes being requested to reclassify two positions, and to upgrade one position. Mr. Pete Wahl, County Manager, explained the additional duties and responsibilities taken on by these departments.
On a motion by Commr. Bailey, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change requests for the Deputy County Manager/Information Services/Computer Services section, as recommended by the County Manager:
TRANSFER/ Computer Analyst 609-00 $16,401.00
IN FM: Fire & Emergy. Svcs./D.O.
TRANSFER/ Computer Program/Oper. 126-01 $12,621.00
IN FM: Fire & Emergy. Svcs./D.O.
It was noted that the new computer systems manager position was not being recommended, and would be considered in the Fiscal Year 1993/94. Therefore, no action was needed.
Deputy County Manager/Information Services/E-911 Services
Mr. Bruce Thorburn, Interim Director of Information Services, appeared before the Board to discuss the personnel change requests within his department, and to explain the duties currently being performed by him and his staff. Mr. Thorburn stated that, in order for him and his staff to continue to perform the additional functions that have been assigned to them, they cannot be paid from the 50 cent fee surcharge for functions that are not related to
E-911. Discussion occurred regarding the use of those funds, including a portion of those funds being used for data base management, if it is 911 impacted.
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change requests for the Deputy County Manager/Information Services/E-911 Services section, as recommended by the County Manager:
RECLASS/ FM: Geographic Data Tech 124-01 $2,431.00
UPGRADE TO: Database Coordinator 606-00
UPGRADE Information Svcs. Dir. 906-00 $4,342.00
719-00
RECLASS/ FM: Msag Coordinator 604-00 $4,253.00
TO: Systems Database Mgr. 614-00
Deputy County Manager/Information Services/Telecommunications
Mr. Pete Wahl, County Manager, explained the request for Telecommunications.
On a motion by Commr. Gerber, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change request for the Deputy County Manager/Information Services/Telecommunications section, as recommended by the County Manager:
RECLASS/ FM: Executive Secretary 124-01 $1,635.00
UPGRADE TO: Telecomm. Coord. 128-01
Facilities & Capital Improvements/Director's Office
Mr. Mike Anderson, Director of Facilities & Capital Improvements, appeared before the Board and presented an explanation for the request to reclass the Capital Projects Coordinator to Capital Projects Manager, which is funded by the infrastructure sales tax fund. It was noted that all of the positions being requested come from this fund.
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change requests for the Facilities & Capital Improvements - Director's Office section, as recommended by the County Manager:
DELETE Special Projects Coord. 906-00 ($22,841.00)
RECLASS/ FM: Captl. Projects Cord. 606-00 $2,831.00
UPGRADE TO: Captl. Projects Mg. 617-00
NEW Clerc. Asst. III (P-PT) 119-01 $6,763.00
Facilities & Capital Improvements/Facilities Management/Building Maintenance
Ms. Lois Martin, Director of Human Resources, explained the requests being made for this section.
On a motion by Commr. Bailey, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change requests for the Facilities & Capital Improvements/Facilities Management/Building Maintenance section, as recommended by the County Manager:
RECLASS/ FM: Maintenance Worker II 116-01 $0.00
UPGRADE TO: Maintenance Spec. I 120-01
RECLASS/ FM: Maintenance Worker II 116-01 $749.00
UPGRADE TO: Maintenance Spec. I 120-01
Fire & Emergency Services/Director's Office
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change requests for the Fire & Emergency Services - Director's Office section, reducing the budget in the amount of $29,022.00, as recommended by the County Manager:
TRANSFER/ FM: Computer Analyst 609-00 ($16,401.00)
OUT - TO: DCA/Info.Svcs./Comp.Svcs.
TRANSFER/ FM: Computer Program/Oper 126-01 ($12,621.00)
OUT - TO: DCA/Info.Svcs./Comp.Svcs.
Fire & Emergency Services/Fire-Rescue Services
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change requests for the Fire & Emergency Services/Fire-Rescue Services section, as recommended by the County Manager:
TITLE FM: Fire Mechanic 224-01 $0.00
CHANGE TO: Firefighter/Mechanic 224-01
Human Resources/Personnel Section
On a motion by Commr. Bailey, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change request in the Human Resources - Personnel section:
CHANGE FM: Pers. Spec. (P-PT) 123-01 $3,164.00
TO: Pers. Spec. (P-FT) 123-01
Planning & Development/Director's Office/Planning
Mr. John Brock, Senior Director, Department of Planning and Development Services/Planning Director, presented an overview of the requests for this section. Mr. Pete Wahl, County Manager, explained that, when the Board approved the restructuring of the Planning & Development Services Department, staff did not include a division director for the Planning Division. He stated that the request to reclass and upgrade the Principal Planner to Chief Planner is a less amount than a Division Director's position and classification, and that it does reflect the ability and capability of directing the personnel under this position.
Commr. Bailey stated that he would not support the upgrade to Chief Planner today, but would reconsider this request in the FY 93/94 budget.
Commr. Swartz discussed the significant turnovers in this section, and stressed the need to be competitive with the salaries.
Commr. Hanson indicated that she would be more comfortable, once Mr. Brock has been here for a longer period of time, having him re-evaluate this section in FY 93/94.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried, the Board approved the following personnel change request for the Planning & Development - Director's Office/Planning section, as recommended by the County Manager:
RECLASS/ FM: Principal Planner 613-00 $1,856.00
UPGRADE TO: Chief Planner 615-00
The motion was carried by a 3-2 vote, with Commr. Hanson and Commr. Bailey voting "no".
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change request for the Planning & Development - Director's Office/Planning Department section, noting that this would be funded mainly by the Sadowski Act, and as recommended by the County Manager:
RECLASS/ FM: Planner II 606-00 $1,960.00
UPGRADE TO: Planner III 609-00
Discussion occurred regarding the request for the new Planner II position in this section, in the amount of $14,369.00. Commr. Swartz stated that there is a request from the Planning & Development/Development Regulation Services section to reclass and downgrade the Addressing Project Supervisor to a Land Use Technician (freezing $11,722.00). He stated that he would suggest, and support, the reclassifying and upgrading of the Addressing Project Supervisor position to the Planner II position.
Mr. Pete Wahl, County Manager, discussed the changes that have been made within this section of planning, including the development of the Comprehensive Plan, and stated that, until the changes are actually made to the Plan, staff is still confronted with the enforcement of existing regulations that are on the books right now. He stated that this workload will affect One Stop Permitting more than the planning side of this division.
Discussion occurred regarding streamlining the development process, in relation to the Comprehensive Plan, and shifting the work from implementing the activities that have been mandated, to reviewing them. Mr. Wahl stated that staff will be going through the modification of the Land Development Regulations (LDRs), and staff will take the direction that the Board presents in prioritizing the workload.
Commr. Swartz stated that he would not support taking what is a vacant position that was previously in Addressing and adding it, and the Planner II. He would be willing to take what is an existing vacancy in Addressing, and exchanging it for the Planner II. He further stated that there is still one-half of an Addressing position, which is permanent part-time, and can be used where the individual is needed the most.
Mr. Wahl clarified that the request being made for the Land Use Technician is for approval of the position only, and that it will not be filled at this time.
Commr. Bailey stated that he would not support the request for the Planner II.
Commr. Swartz stated that he would support taking the vacant Addressing Project Supervisor's position and reclassifying it to the Planner II position.
Commr. Hanson made a motion, which was seconded by Commr. Gerber, to approve to reclassify and upgrade the Addressing Project Supervisor position, to the Planner II position.
Under discussion, Commr. Cadwell stated that, in order for staff to fulfill the job that they are currently doing, they need this position, and therefore, he supported the request.
The Chairman called for a vote on the motion, with the motion being carried by a 4-1 vote.
Commr. Bailey voted "no".
Planning & Development/Environmental Management
Pollution Control
On a motion by Commr. Bailey, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change request from the Planning & Development/Environmental Management/Pollution Control section, as recommended by the County Manager:
RECLASS/ FM: Secretary III 122-01 $504.00
UPGRADE TO: Executive Secretary 124-01
RECESS & REASSEMBLY
At 3:25 p.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would take a short recess.
Planning & Development/One Stop Permitting Center
Code Compliance
On a motion by Commr. Bailey, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried, the Board approved the personnel change request from the Planning & Development/One Stop Permitting Center/Code Compliance section, as recommended by the County Manager:
RECLASS/ FM: Code Inspector 124-01 $0.00
UPGRADE TO: Compliance Supervisor 602-00
The motion was carried by a 4-0 vote, with Commr. Cadwell not being present for the discussion or vote.
Planning & Developmen Stop Permitting Center
Building Services
Commr. Swartz stated that earlier he was under the impression that the Addressing Technician was going from permanent part-time (P-PT) to permanent full-time (P-FT), but it is not. He stated that he would support going from P-PT to P-FT, which would allow someone on either side of the aisle. Commr. Swartz then clarified that he would support the reclassification and upgrade of the Addressing Technician from P-PT, to Building Permit Clerk/Zoning Technician, or whatever staff wanted to develop as a title, and making it a P-FT position.
Ms. Lois Martin, Director of Human Resources, stated that the fiscal impact for the recommendation being made by Commr. Swartz would be $3,569.00.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried unanimously, the Board approved the personnel change request for the Planning & Development/One Stop Permitting Center/Building Services section, to reclassify and upgrade the Addressing Technician (P-PT) position, to a Building Permit Clerk/Land Use Technician, or whatever staff determines as an title, and making the position P-FT, at the 123-01 pay range.
It was noted that the motion included the following, as recommended by the County Manager:
TRANSF/IN FM: OSP/Dev. Reg. Services $7,138.00
On a motion by Commr. Bailey, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried, the Board approved the following personnel change requests for the Planning & Development/One Stop Permitting Center/Building Services section, as recommended by the County Manager:
TITLE FM: Building & Zon. Tech. 122-01 $0.00
CHANGE TO: Building Technician 122-01
TITLE FM: Building & Zon. Tech. 122-01 $0.00
CHANGE TO: Building Technician 122-01
TITLE FM: Building & Zon. Tech. 122-01 $0.00
CHANGE TO: Building Technician 122-01
The motion was carried by a 4-0 vote, with Commr. Cadwell not being present for the discussion or vote.
Planning & Development/One Stop Permitting Center
Building Services
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried, the Board approved the following personnel change requests for the Planning & Development/One Stop Permitting Center/Building Services section, as recommended by the County Manager:
TRANSF/ Building & Zoning Tech. 122-01 ($10,192.00)
OUT TO: OST/Dev. Reg. Svcs.
TITLE FM: Certification Spclst. 124-01 $0.00
CHANGE TO: Licensing & Bldg. Tech. 124-01
The motion was carried by a 4-0 vote, with Commr. Cadwell not being present for the discussion or vote.
Planning & Development/Development Regulation Services
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change requests for Planning & Development/Development Regulation Services section, as recommended by the County Manager:
TRANS/IN FM: OSP/Building Svcs. $10,192.00
RECLASS/ FM: Building & Zon. Tech. 122-01 $0.00
UPGRADE TO: Lane Use Technician 123-01
TITLE FM: Planning Technician 123-01 $0.00
CHANGE TO: Land Use Technician 123-01
Discussion occurred regarding the request for the reclassification and upgrading of the Secretary III position to a Land Use Technician. Commr. Swartz stated that there are two Secretary IIIs in this department, and he is concerned about this request. He stated that he would like Mr. Brock to review this request, and to determine if each Secretary meets the qualifications and requirements, in order to provide fairness to all of the employees.
Mr. Pete Wahl, County Manager, suggested that the Board authorize the reclassification from a Secretary III to a Land Use Technician, with staff going back through the internal advertising process.
On a motion by Commr. Bailey, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change request in the Planning & Development/Development Regulation Services section, as recommended by the County Manager, and with staff going back through the internal advertising process:
RECLASS/ FM: Secretary III 122-01 $0.00
UPGRADE TO: Land Use Technician 123-01
Public Services/Engineering/Traffic Safety Services
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change request for the Public Services/Engineering/Traffic Safety Services section, as recommended by the County Manager:
ADD/ Sign/Striping Tech I 215-01 $0.00
TO CLASSIFICATION PLAN ONLY
Public Services/Mosquito & Aquatic Plant Management
Mosquito Management & Maintenance
Mr. Jim Stivender, Director of Public Services, was present to discuss this request.
On a motion by Commr. Bailey, seconded by Commr. Hanson, and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change request for the Public Services/Mosquito & Aquatic Plant Management/Mosquito Management & Maintenance section, as recommended by the County Manager:
NEW Spray Truck Operator 200-01 $4,275.00
Temp./Seasonal/Part-time
Public Services/Solid Waste Management/Solid Waste Disposal
On a motion by Commr. Gerber, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change requests from the Public Services/Solid Waste Management/Solid Waste Disposal section, as recommended by the County Manager:
CHANGE Asst. Sol. Wst. Disp. Op. Mgr. 708-00 $0.00
Exempt to non-exempt
TITLE FM: Secretary I 219-01 $0.00
TO: Waste Field Off. Tech. 219-01
Discussion occurred regarding the two non-applicable (N/A) requests, with Mr. Pete Wahl, County Manager, explaining that, in the budget there is a line item for temporary employment, which has been used in the solid waste program, and staff is requesting that the line item be increased.
Mr. Jim Stivender, Director of Public Services, stated that the requests refer to the special assessment part-time people.
It was noted that salaries will be paid out of the administrative portion of the special assessment funds.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change requests for the Public Services/Solid Waste Management/Solid Waste Disposal section, as recommended by the County Manager:
N/A ADD Increase Temporary Line N/A $10,915.00
TRANSFER STATION
N/A ADD Overtime N/A $1,265.00
Purchasing
Ms. Kelly Soucy, Purchasing Supervisor, appeared before the Board to discuss the personnel change requests within the Purchasing Department.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following personnel change requests for the Purchasing section, as recommended by the County Manager:
RECLASS/ FM: Acct. Clerk/Buyer 123-01 $0.00
UPGRADE TO: Buyer 127-01
UPGRADE Buyer 120-01 $2,012.00
127-01
UPGRADE Buyer 120-01 $0.00
127-01
UPGRADE Buyer 120-01 $0.00
127-01
RECLASS/ FM: Clerical Asst. III 119-01 $65.00
UPGRADE TO: Secretary II 120-01
TITLE FM: Purch. Supervisor 906-00 $0.00
CHANGE TO: Purchasing Manager 906-00
CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT/JAILS
Commr. Swartz discussed action taken by the Board on April 20, 1993, at which time the Board approved the request for 18 Corrections Officers. He stated that he had requested staff to provide him with information and suggestions that may help with the personnel staffing side of the budget for the jail. The information he requested would include: 1) enclosing the roofs of the recreation areas of Pods B, C, and D, in order to reduce the need to have a staff person in the recreation area. Commr. Swartz stated that there is a total of five (5) people who handle recreation and transportation, and this will reduce some of the hours of those employees; 2) if through visual or electronic means, the control room function can be placed into an existing control room, and the staffing can be reduced; 3) and even though this item will be coming to the Board in the next budget year, consideration be given for a budget item to outfit the medical area with a dental facility, which currently involves two (2) officers, and overtime being paid.
Mr. Pete Wahl, County Manager, discussed the issue of a dental suite, and stated that the Bureau of Federal Surplus in Starke, Florida, has federal surplus merchandise available. Commr. Swartz discussed the concept of having a contract for dental services, which would be much like the one the County has now for medical services.
Commr. Swartz discussed the budget process last year, and stated that it was his understanding that the County was providing the necessary staff at the jail facility, as required, and that any additional staffing, with possible overtime, would be for the federal prisoners. He discussed the Personal Services line item, in the amount of $6.9 million, which was to cover the cost for the County to operate those Pods that would hold County prisoners. The additional revenue dollars that were then appropriated would be used to help pay for the cost of housing the federal prisoners, if they came. During the budget session, the Board reviewed a request for Personal Services, in excess of $8 million. The County adopted the recommendation from the County Manager, which was $6.9 million. Commr. Swartz stressed that the $6.9 million would not pay for the Personal Services that were required to handle the minimal operation of the building, and that he did not realize this at the time it was being discussed. The $6.9 million was proposed to staff 205 employees, with approximately 128 certified corrections officers, but to actually staff the building, it was going to take almost 150, or more, corrections officers. Therefore, the number that actually needed to be appropriated under Personal Services was in excess of $8 million. The County appropriated expenditures at approximately $2 million less than what would have been needed to operate the facility, under any scenario, and whether the federal prisoners came or not, because the County was required to have open Pod Prelude, and the lower levels of Pods B, C, and D.
Commr. Hanson stated that it was her understanding that the County was not funding enough for the jail, but was looking at the revenue that would be coming in to offset some of those costs.
Commr. Swartz stated that, if the County had budgeted any revenue from federal money during last year's budget period, then the County would have been taking a risk until that money came in, and that was the understanding of the Board. Commr. Swartz discussed the issue of the County receiving those funds through a certain period of time during the last budget year, and the fact that the County did not budget what was necessary on the expenditure side of the budget. He stated that he feels the Board was in the position last year where it would have then been faced with either finding cuts somewhere else within the budget, or increasing the millage to cover the expenditures.
Commr. Swartz questioned the Personal Services line item, which included overtime, in the amount $65,000.00, and why more funds were not budgeted in this line item, when the County had exceeded this amount in the last three months of the previous year. Mr. Wahl stated that, during the budget session, it was explained to the Board that, once the federal dollars stabilized, staff would be back before the Board to request approval to fill and authorize the needed positions. Staff did not get the prisoner count, with the exception of the Hurricane Andrew prisoner count, that would be coming in October.
Commr. Swartz questioned the need for 150 corrections officers, and the County budgeting for only 128 officers. Mr. Wahl explained that there was a minimum number of officers that were required, and that staff had pushed for a commitment from the federal government for the number of prisoners that they would be providing. Staff was never able to get a commitment in writing, and at the final budget hearing, Mr. Wahl stated that he indicated to the Board that this was an extremely risky situation, with the County not being in a position where it could guarantee those positions, and therefore, the County could end up short.
Discussion occurred regarding the action taken by the Board to rollback the millage during the final budget session last year. Commr. Swartz stated that, regardless of the availability of federal prisoners, it was going to take an excess amount of $8 million in the Personal Services contract, but even when the County began receiving federal dollars, the County began paying overtime. The overtime budget, in October, 1992, was overspent for the whole year. He questioned why the County did not begin to immediately hire people rather than to continue to pay overtime.
Mr. Wahl stated that the cash flow was Hurricane Andrew related, and was in excess of what was being paid in overtime. It was hopeful that the cash flow would continue, but when it became a problem, staff came back to the Board in January, and made a request for eight (8) additional corrections officers.
Commr. Swartz stated that 26 additional officers were needed. The County continued to pay overtime even after hiring the eight (8) additional officers, exceeding the amount budgeted for the whole year each month. Since the facility has opened, the County has spent $1,106,000.00 in overtime. If the County had hired the necessary officers, or even auxiliary officers, it would have saved between $368,000.00 and one-half of a million dollars.
Discussion occurred regarding the five year projections that were made to operate the jail, which included the number of people it would take to run the facility, and the problem being that the number of people needed were never translated into actual costs.
Commr. Cadwell stated that he was concerned about the Chairman having a discussion on the jail issue at this time without the other Board members, or staff, having any facts or figures to consider, in order to respond to his comments.
Commr. Swartz discussed scheduling a workshop on the jail issue, in order to review it in more detail.
Commr. Hanson stated that the Board needs to discuss how to handle the existing problems, and to determine how to run the jail as efficiently and cost effectively as possible now and in the future.
Discussion occurred regarding the County needing between 155-160 people to run the jail, and the County now having 154 individuals employed. The configuration of the jail was discussed by Mr. Wahl, and the number of employees that would be mandatory, depending on the number of prisoners. He further stated that contracting available open beds within existing pods would be okay, but the County would not be in the position to open additional pods, unless it appropriates for the additional positions.
Commr. Swartz discussed the U.S. Marshals Service prisoners presently housed in the jail, which are providing revenue in an approximate amount of $790,000.00.
Discussion occurred regarding the relief that the County is getting from the Florida Department of Corrections, which includes the authorization of 18 auxiliary officers, which would save the County $10,000.00 per position.
Discussion occurred regarding scheduling the jail issue for a workshop session, to determine how to offset costs at the facility. Issues to be discussed would include budget projections for next year, and the possibility of offsetting some of the costs through other offices of County government. The Board also discussed getting estimates of any costs that might save the County money, including the reclassification of direct supervision of the facility, and an overall review of the utilization of the facility, in terms of the number of prisoners to be housed in certain areas of the facility, and the number of positions needed to supervise those areas.
Mr. Wahl informed the Board that there are 35 individuals interested in becoming corrections officers, and that Mr. Gary Borders, Director of Corrections, indicates that the Corrections Auxiliary Officer (CAO) positions can be filled out of the existing certified applications, and paid as correction auxiliary.
COUNTY EMPLOYEES/COUNTY ATTORNEY/COUNTY MANAGER
Commr. Hanson discussed the evaluation of the County Attorney, and stated that it was not done last year. She recommended that Ms. Annette Star Lustgarten's evaluation be given at the same time Mr. Pete Wahl, County Manager, has his evaluation.
Ms. Lois Martin, Director of Human Resources, informed the Board that there are two different anniversary dates for these positions, with Commr. Hanson stating that the Board is behind on the County Attorney's evaluation.
Discussion occurred regarding the information that has been received by the Board members, from Ms. Martin, regarding the County Manager's evaluation material. It was noted that Ms. Martin had indicated two proposal dates to be considerated for Mr. Wahl's evaluation. Ms. Martin stated that a request had been made by the Chairman for this issue to be considered on May 18, 1993, with an alternate schedule being given to the Board, which would bring the issue before them on June 1, 1993, after the reviews and analysis were complete.
After some discussion, it was the consensus of the Board not to delay the evaluation of the County Manager, and to schedule it on the June 1, 1993 agenda. The County Attorney's evaluation would be scheduled for a later date.
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m.
G. RICHARD SWARTZ, JR., CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK
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