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Meeting Minutes Return to Committee
Meeting Minutes
Office of the Onondaga County Legislature
Court House, Room 407 * 401 Montgomery Street * Syracuse, New York 13202
(315) 435-2070 Fax: (315) 435-8434

DEBORAH L. MATURO
Clerk
J. RYAN McMAHON, II
Chairman
KATHERINE FRENCH
Deputy Clerk

 

HEALTH COMMITTEE MINUTES - AUGUST 11, 2016

DANNY J. LIEDKA, CHAIRMAN

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Mr. Burtis, Ms. Williams

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Mrs. Rapp, Mr. Holmquist

ALSO PRESENT:  See attached list

 

Chairman Liedka called the meeting to order at 9:40 a.m.  A motion was made by Ms. Williams, seconded by Mr. Burtis to waive the reading of the minutes of the previous committee meeting.  A motion was made by Mr. Burtis, seconded by Ms. Williams to approve the minutes of the proceedings of the previous committee meeting; MOTION CARRIED.

 

1.     HEALTH:  Michelle Mignano, Deputy Commissioner

        a.     Abolish 01 404300 1850 Program Monitor, Grade 9 @$46,434-$51,361, effective September 30, 2016;

                Abolish 01 404300 1851 Program Monitor, Grade 9 @ $46,434-$51,361, effective September 30, 2016;

                Abolish 01 404300 1852 Typist 2, Grade 5 @ $33,701-$37,214, effective September 30, 2016. 

  • WIC vendor management program; RFP presented in fall of 2015; notified in spring did not win RFP
  • Compliance checks for WIC stores; taken over by Commission of Economic Opportunities (CEO) in Troy, NY
  • Three lay-offs; one may be retiring; all informed earlier this year; fourth title is Program Coordinator
  • Management Analyst position will be abolish when vacated; will take Program Coordinator title; will be in budget

Chairman Liedka asked if the employees have a place to land.  Ms. Mignano responded not at this time.  They are all great people, but the department does not have the titles.

 

Ms. Williams asked if this will affect services, and Ms. Mignano replied that it will not impact WIC clients.  The state standard will still be upheld.  The contracted vendor CEO will be in Oneida.  It will be more cumbersome for markets with questions as there will not be a store front in Onondaga County. 

 

Chairman Liedka asked if the new vendor has anything close for these employees to be considered for.  Ms. Mignano hoped there would be a store front in Onondaga County; but the operations are in Troy, so CEO chose Oneida (Madison County).  Ms. Mignano responded to Chairman Liedka that there were some negotiations for the employees, but Oneida is not close, and the employees did not anticipate the commute. 

 

A motion was made by Mr. Burtis, seconded by Ms. Williams, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

 

2.     COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH:  Russell Nemecek, Water Quality Management

        a.     Confirming Reappointments to the Onondaga County Council on Environmental Health (John Benson, Robert Bryant, Mario D’Arrigo, Esq., Donald Gates, Donna Hamblin, Hugh Kimball, Douglas Morris, Barbara Rivette, Patricia Tobin)

 

A motion was made by Ms. Williams, seconded by Mr. Burtis, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

 

3.     CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES:  Amy McCluskey, Director

        a.     Authorizing Execution of Agreements with the City, Towns and Villages of Onondaga County for Operation of Youth Programs 

  • Third year of process; back in 2013, stopped giving to municipalities directly, so there has to be a resolution

A motion was made by Mr. Burtis, seconded by Ms. Williams, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:46 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Signature

JAMIE M. McNAMARA, Assistant Clerk

Onondaga County Legislature

Attendance

 

* * *

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES - AUGUST 17, 2016

BRIAN MAY, CHAIRMAN

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Mr. Dougherty, Mr. Ryan, Mr. Holmquist

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Mr. Liedka

ALSO ATTENDING:  Chairman McMahon; see attached list

 

Chair May called the meeting to order at 12:01 P.M.  A motion was made by Mr. Dougherty, seconded by Mr. Ryan, to waive the reading of the proceedings from the previous committee.  A motion was made by Mr. Dougherty, seconded by Mr. Ryan, to approve the minutes from the previous committee.  MOTION CARRIED.   

 

1.     SHERIFF:  Kenneth Andrews, Chief, Civil Dept.

        a.     Transfer from Sheriff’s Office, Account 666500 Contingency, to Sheriff’s Office, Account 693000 Supplies and Materials, $175,373

 

Chief Andrews:

  • Decreased supplies and material line during last budget, difficult to maintain current level with upcoming needs
  • Holding 1st joint custody and police academy in the fall; retirements fast and furious – 22 current opening, likely have 26-30 custody openings and 15-20 police
  • Supplies needed for new deputies; outstanding $50,000 dollar requisition – don’t have funds in the account
  • Release of contingency allows them to meet need

 

In answer to Mr. Holmquist, Chair May confirmed that the funds were budgeted contingency – moving last piece.  Chief Andrews noted that they were not asking for additional funds.

Chart

Mr. Dougherty questioned the projected numbers for police salary (see page 2) and asked if this was going to continue, would get better or worse, and if it was caused by something unpredicted.  Chief Andrews said that the increase was mainly due to salary increases, which were part of the OCSPA and DSBA contract agreements.  The DSBA contract was not agreed to at the time of the budget.  Mr. Britt referenced the first line of the projection that shows the 101 line under budget by $306,692.  Premium comps were budgeted in the sheriff’s budget, but are actually paid out of the police budget for 2016.  Chair May said that the settlement was accounted for during the budget process, but the salary adjustment was not. 

 

Mr. Dougherty said that the budget is $1,600 under budget overall - right on target.  However, he does not want to see something grow unchecked.  Mr. Britt said that the police overtime line was off by about $150,000 as he failed to include all offsetting revenues.  He did not anticipate additional DEA and amphitheater overtime funds.  Chief Andrews said that part of the overtime budget is reimbursed or transferred overtime.  They should see a noticeable difference in next quarter’s project for this line.  For the record, Chair May said that it was important to note that they are looking at budgeted expenses, not offsetting revenue. 

 

Mr. Ryan said that it would be reasonable to think that overtime will increase because of the number of deputies lost.  They will have to fill the gap for a 24/7 operation.  Chief Andrews said that it would defiantly increase for the Justice Center - a measurable overtime.  Mr. Ryan said that there would be regular salary savings, but overtime would increase to fill the void.  Chief Andrews agreed, noting that they had already put things in place to decrease overtime, i.e. constant watches changed from 1 on 1 to 1 on 2-4, safe cells for frequent checks now 1 on 10 instead of 1 on 2-4.  These changes will help to reduce overtime, but they still need to replace the 22-24 people that they are down.  Going forward, these numbers are not reflective of what they expect on the police side.  There is minimum staffing, but it is different than the jail, which almost always operates at minimum staffing levels.  

 

Chair May said that it was good to see the year-end projection for the jail – latterly 15% of what it has been for the past 3-4 years.  That number has been about one million dollars.  From a management standpoint, hats off to the Sheriff’s department and Chief Gonzalez for everything they have done to get this back on track. 

 

Chair May said that over the past few years they have been close to balancing on the police side and asked if the retirements would explain much of the $437,000 projected balance.  Mr. Britt said that this also relates to the revenue side.  He would expect police overtime to come in slightly over, if not slightly below, budget. 

 

Chair May asked for follow up on the corresponding types of offsetting revenue.  Mr. Britt said that he would provide a list.  Through July, police overtime has been reimbursed almost $300,000.  Chairman McMahon said that these funds come from the DEA and the State Attorney General.  Mr. Britt agreed and added Live Nation concerts, noting that everything is broken down by category.  Chairman McMahon said that this will likely continue to be a reality due to SPD vacancies.  They call on the County to fill those vacancies in taskforce situations and reimburse for the same.  

 

In answer to Mr. Holmquist, Chief Andrews said that Live Nation is billed for police coverage after each concert.  Mr. Britt said that they are paid very timely.  Chairman McMahon said that Live Nation and SMG agreements cover all costs for the amphitheater facility.  In answer to Mr. Holmquist, Chairman McMahon said that ambulance services would be covered by private insurance.  In answer to Mr. Ryan, Mr. Britt said that reimbursement was received from SMG within a two week timeframe. 

 

In answer to Mr. Dougherty, Chief Andrews confirmed that the $400,000 decrease in custody contractual expenses was due to changes in healthcare.  Mr. Britt said that there are contractual obligations for the contractor.  The county is able to penalize for non-performance or lack of providing data.  Chair May said that this was discussed a while ago and results is a lower cost.  Mr. Dougherty said that he did not know if there were other pieces.  Mr. Britt said that there was another small piece, from another contract, but it is not material. 

 

A motion was made by Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mr. Dougherty, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

 

        b.     Authorizing the Execution of Agreements with Oswego County to Provide Helicopter Services

 

  • Annual contract - $10,000 per year; service as needed

 

Mr. Holmquist said that there is a contract with Cayuga County for $5,000 per year, for 10-years.  Chief Andrews agreed.  In answer to Mr. Holmquist, Chief Andrews confirmed that both contracts are for fixed amounts and are not based on usage.  They are reaching out to other contiguous counties and encouraging them to enter into similar contracts. 

 

Mr. Holmquist said that Oswego and Cayuga Counties are the only current contracts and they have been asking for years.  He asked if there was a different methodology for this ask, as they have been unsuccessful for years.  Previously they asked for à la carte or usage based requirements.  Chief Andrews said that they handle very few medical transports, as commercial medical transports are now available.  This was not always the case.  They provide services for emergency needs and try to get the other counties to contribute.  Chair May said that in the spirit of mutual aid, there is no other form of reciprocity.  Mr. Dougherty said that if the program runs out of money the helicopter does not takeoff and no one gets anything.  Chair May said that there is no way for counties to reply in-kind, other than helping to foot the bill, and concerted efforts have been made in that regard. 

 

Mr. Holmquist said that there are a number of other moving parts, i.e. engine overhaul every 10,000 miles, storage issue.  Mr. Holmquist suggested an update on all the moving parts and costs for Air One.  Chair May said that it would be a good agenda item for the committee, in the near future.  Chief Andrews said that they keep track of all flight times and where they go; simply looking for a cost formula of how often they go outside the county and the associated cost.  Chair May said that an updated cost of operation per flight hour would be helpful.  The last figure was $1,250, though he always felt it was a little more.  Mr. Holmquist reiterated that there are many moving parts.  Mr. Dougherty said that the total Air One budget was divided by the number of hours flown, which may not always be fair.  There is a lot of overhaul in some years.  Chair May said that the costs should be averaged over a few years.  Chief Andrews said that flight times have been reduced.  They are trying to stretch out the time before a $500,000 overhaul is needed for the aging craft; timeframe based on flight hours.

 

Chair May said that informing the public of Air One use is good relatable information.  Chief Andrews said that the ship is a valuable tool.  There is a real necessity for this piece of equipment and people recognize it.  No one likes their tax bill, but when asked about specific items, they want them.  Mr. Holmquist said that all agree there is great value, but they are trying to get the best financial deal possible.

 

Mr. Holmquist asked that the Air One Foundation, their fundraising efforts, and any contributions made be included in the update.  Chief Andrews said that they are still raising money.  The colonel changed in the middle of negotiations so the ship has not yet been moved to the Air National Guard location.  However, the cost associated with the move will be covered by the foundation, i.e. fuel tank. 

 

Mr. Ryan said that previously he was provided with a flight breakdown by county and asked for the same.  He is interested in knowing if they are traveling to Cortland County less often do the commercial companies.  Chief Andrews said that each county would be included in the breakdown.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mr. Dougherty, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

 

        c.     Authorizing the Execution of Agreements Needed to Receive Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Funds for Use in Purchasing Police Personal Protection Equipment

 

  • Purchase of helmets and shields, some equipment over 30 years old
  • 10 setups for both the north and south stations
  • Per presidential order all items purchased for militarizing of the police force must be approved by the legislative body in control

Chair May said that he was shocked to hear how old the equipment was.  Mr. Dougherty asked if they were replacing equipment that currently exists.  Chief Andrews said that new personnel were coming on board also.  Captain Pellizzari said that each station has a couple of shields, but there is nothing for any type of real response.  The helmets are 30 years old.  Many are dry rotted on the inside and shields are broken.  Chief Andrews confirmed that they were mainly replacing equipment and would normally handle this in the ordinary course of business, but needed approval because of the presidential order. 

 

In answer to Mr. Holmquist, Chief Andrews said that the executive order contained a list of items considered to be militarization.  Shields and helmets were included as part of those items.

 

Chair May said that it should be emphasized that this is not an operational expense.  It is not even a direct cost to county taxpayers.  Updating the safety of personnel is a good use of grant funds.

 

Mr. Holmquist asked if there were any technics that could be used to prevent dry rot, i.e. climate controlled storage.  Chief Andrews said that they would not want to put things into special storage that was not available to them.  Mr. Holmquist said that he knows they have problems with facilities.  Chief Andrews that it was a good idea, but he cannot say that they have a climate controlled space for storage. 

 

A motion was made by Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mr. Dougherty, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

 

The meeting adjourned at 12:38 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Katherine French

KATHERINE M. FRENCH, Deputy Clerk

Onondaga County Legislature

Attendance

 

* * *

WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE MINUTES – AUGUST 29, 2016

DAVID H. KNAPP, CHAIRMAN

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Mr. Kilmartin, Mr. Shepard, Mrs. Ervin, Mr. Jordan, Mr. May, 1Ms. Williams

ALSO ATTENDING:  Chairman McMahon, Dr. Chase, Mrs. Rapp and see attached list

 

Chair Knapp called the meeting to order at 8:55 A.M.  A motion was made by Mr. Kilmartin, seconded by Mrs. Ervin, to waive the reading of the proceedings from the previous committee minutes.  MOTION CARRIED.  A motion was made by Mr. Kilmartin, seconded by Mr. Jordan, to approve the minutes of the proceedings of the previous committee.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

WAYS & MEANS CONSENT AGENDA

 

1.     CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES: 

        a.     Authorizing Execution of Agreements with the City, Towns and Villages of Onondaga County for Operation of Youth Programs

 

2.     SHERIFF: 

        a.     Transfer from Sheriff’s Office, Account 666500 Contingency, to Sheriff’s Office, Account 693000 Supplies and Materials, $175,373

        b.     Authorizing the Execution of Agreements with Oswego County to Provide Helicopter Services ($10,000)

        c.     Authorizing the Execution of Agreements Needed to Receive Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Funds for Use in Purchasing Police Personal Protection Equipment ($65,000)

 

A motion was made by Mr. Jordan, seconded by Mr. May, to approve the items on the Consent agenda.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

 

WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE REGULAR AGENDA

 

1.     ONONDAGA COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT BOARD:

        a.     Confirming Appointment to the Onondaga Co. Soil & Water Conservation District Board (John Lemondes)

Chair Knapp:

  • Longtime member retired, represented the Farm Bureau, the bureau put forward new representative
  • CNY native, retired US Army Colonel, owns farm in LaFayette, active community member – hosted several veterans and agricultural events; highly recommends appointment

 

A motion was made by Mr. Kilmartin, seconded by Mr. Shepard, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

 

2.     TRANSPORTATIONBrian Donnelly, Commissioner

        a.     Amending the 2016 Onondaga County Budget to Make Funds Available for Use in Connection with the New York State Pave-NY Program and Authorizing the Execution of Agreements ($1,288,191)

Mr. Donnelly:

  • Funds part of 2016-2017 state budget, guidance received late July - funds to be utilized like CHIPS

 

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  • Selected roads that would have been on work plan if funds were available, also looked for roads not requiring additional drainage;
  • Goal to complete paving before end of season

Chair Knapp asked if any problems were foreseen.  Mr. Donnelly said if the weather stays as is there should be no problem.  The completion timing is not required as funds will roll into 2017 if need be.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Kilmartin, seconded by Mr. May, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

 

        b.     Transfer from Department of Transportation, Account 666500 Contingency, to Department of Transportation, Account 695700 Contractual Expenses, $130,000

  • Towns of Elbridge, Skaneateles and Salina requested additional county road plowing - not included in 2016 budget, approximately 19 miles
  • Contingency account setup for NYS severity factor – funds not utilized due to light winter; requesting use of funds to pay towns for additional miles

In answer to Chair Knapp, Mr. Donnelly confirmed that this was part of the plowing contract.

 

1Ms. Williams arrived at the meeting.

 

Chair Knapp asked Mr. Donnelly to briefly explain the severity factor and penalty.  Mr. Donnelly said that the County plows approximately 220 miles of state roads, on behalf of NYS.  The contract calls for a flat amount to be paid each year, roughly $1.9 million dollars for 2015-2016.  However, the contract contains a clause that states that they are only obligated to pay two-thirds of that amount for a light winter, as is the case for this winter.  This would normally mean a shortfall in their budget.  However, they saved with lower fuel prices, salt and overtime, and are not concerned about any budgetary problems. Chair Knapp said that the towns were made whole, even though the County was cutback by the state.  Mr. Donnelly said that the agreement with the towns hold them harmless with regard to that clause - paid contracted flat rate regardless.  Chair Knapp reiterated that the towns receive the severity factor when it is a bad winter, but are not penalized for a light winter.

 

Mr. Donnelly said that this was the second time that they received the two-thirds payment, over the past eight years.  Mr. May said that there would have to be somewhat of a corresponding expense reduction.  Mr. Donnelly said that the state uses a formula across Region 3, a six-county area.  They look at the average number of miles plowed, compared to the actual miles plowed, to determine the severity factor each winter.  If more miles are plowed there is generally some degree of severity, and if less miles are plowed they can reduce the payment.

 

In answer to Mr. Jordan, Mr. Donnelly said that $448,000 was budgeted into contingency therefore, there will be a remainder in the account.

A motion was made by Mrs. Ervin, seconded by Mr. Kilmartin, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

 

        c.     Amending the 2016 County Budget to Accept Additional Funding for the Western Onondaga Lake Revitalization, and Authorizing the Execution of Agreements ($1,000,000)

  • NYS DOT funds for improvements made to Exit 7 - Town of Geddes, in and around NYS Fair and amphitheater

 

In answer to Mr. May, Mr. Donnelly confirmed that this was reimbursement for completed work.

 

A motion was made by Ms. Williams, seconded by Mr. Kilmartin, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

 

3.     HEALTH:  Kristi Smiley, Administrative Officer, Financial Operations

        a.     Abolish 014043001850 Program Monitor, Grade 9 @$46,434-$51,361, effective September 30, 2016;

                Abolish 014043001851 Program Monitor, Grade 9 @ $46,434-$51,361, effective September 30, 2016;

                Abolish 014043001852 Typist 2, Grade 5 @ $33,701-$37,214, effective September 30, 2016

Ms. Smiley:

  • Abolish 3 positions associated with WIC Vendor Management program; no longer administering after 9-30-16
  • Management working with local markets to insure items needed are in place

 

In answer to Chair Knapp, Ms. Smiley confirmed that the positions were setup to be abolished if the grant funds discontinued.

 

Mrs. Ervin asked what would happen to women and children with needs.  Ms. Smiley said that management was awarded to a not-for-profit out of Schenectady, which will take on the whole territory.  Due to overhead, at the County level, they were able to come in with a lower dollar amount for administration of the program.  Mrs. Ervin said that she hoped they were able to provide the services.  Ms. Smiley said that she believes they will have a local office, but cannot confirm it.  Chair Knapp asked that the committee be kept up to date on the program.

 

Chair Knapp said that this was unfortunate as people were in those positions.  Ms. Smiley said that currently one person had not found something else. 

 

A motion was made by Mr. Kilmartin, seconded by Mr. May, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

 

4.     COUNTY CLERK:  Lisa Dell, County Clerk

        a.     Abolish 011019000310 Records Preservation Supervisor, Gr. 9 @ $46,434-$51,361, effective 9/6/16; Create 011019001969 Accountant 1, Gr. 9 @ $46,434 - $51,361, effective 9/6/16

Ms. Dell:

  • Supervisor retired prior to Ms. Dell becoming Clerk
  • Accountant 3 doing work of accountant 1 for the past 4-years

In response to Mr. May, Ms. Dell confirmed that the position handles fiscal operations within the Clerk’s department.

 

Mr. Jordan asked where they were with regard to transitioning off from the old computer.  Ms. Dell said that the contract was in the Law department and would progress to the County Executive for a signature.  Mr. Fisher said that the contract would be signed as soon as received.  Ms. Dell said that the chosen vendor would be in the Clerk’s office to view the work flow and was coordinating with IT department.  In answer to Mr. Jordan, Ms. Dell said that they would be operating online by January 1. 

 

Mr. Jordan asked if there will be outside access.  Ms. Dell said that it will be internet based with an E-commerce and E-recording components.  Persons will be able to print forms from their home or office and file recordings.  Five companies provide the various E-services.  Mr. Jordan said that one would scan the document to one of the companies, and they would then take care of it.  Ms. Dell agreed, adding that the filer would pay the company providing the service, who then pays the Clerk’s office.  In addition, there will be improved work flow and efficiencies, which she will address when she presents her budget. 

 

Chair Knapp asked how pricing was being determined.  Ms. Dell said that she looked at the pricing of other NYS County Clerks.  Rockland, Clinton and Chenango Counties have the same chosen vendor and she likes their pricing.  They are very reasonable and do not charge a higher rate for out of state. 

 

Ms. Dell asked if the legislature had to approve the pricing.  Ms. Burger said that it would typically be approved by local law.  Mr. Jordan said that he thought there were standard fees.  Ms. Dell confirmed that Mr. Jordan was correct, there are standard fees; .i.e. may charge up to 65 cents per page for copies, currently charging 50 cents, may look to increase to 65 cents.

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Ervin to approve this item. 

 

In answer Mr. May, Mr. Morgan said that the accountant 3 position was not being backfilled. 

 

Seconded by Ms. Williams.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

 

5.     FINANCIAL OPERATIONS:  Kristi Smiley, Administrative Officer, Financial Operations

        a.     Authorizing the Establishment of a Petty Cash Fund to be Used by the Division or Financial Operations ($4,750)

Ms. Smiley:

  • Merging funds from existing Health, Social Services – Economic Security and Law departments into one petty cash account under Financial Operations, improves efficiency

A motion was made by Mr. Kilmartin, seconded by Mrs. Ervin, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

 

6.     COUNTY LEGISLATURE: 

        a.     Calling for a Public Hearing on the 2017 County Budget

 

A motion was made by Mr. Kilmartin, seconded by Ms. Williams, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

 

        b.     Establishing a Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program

Mr. Morgan:

  • Emphasized voluntary retirement program – must notify County by 10/21/16 and retire by 12/31/16
  • Program is not an early retirement incentive, that can only be offered by the state
  • One-time payment of $10,000
  • Eligibility criteria:  must be employed by the County during election period, vested in the NYSLRS and eligible to receive retirement benefits
  • Incentive derived from positive feedback of CSEA incentive reducing health care contributions from 15% to 12%
  • County reorganized, consolidate, and implemented PeopleSoft over the past 3-4 years, starting to see efficiencies, will pay dividends moving forward; incentive offers natural way to reduce personnel costs via attrition
  • 341 people took advantage of 2010 Early Retirement Incentive - cost County $12,000,000, state only allowed up to half of the positions to be filled; payback easily completed within a couple of years, eliminated position salaries and fringe continues to pay dividends

 

Mr. Jordan asked if there was a savings projection.  Mr. Morgan said that they do not know how many people will be taking advantage of the program.  Roughly 800 meet the required criteria, but he would expect less than 340 people to retire.  Once they have the committed number, he will bring back a resolution to pay for the program.  On average, a county employee cost about $50,000 local, between salary and fringe.  The first year the county could gain $40,000 for a non-filled position and $50,000 for subsequent years. 

 

Mr. Jordan said that a quarter of the County workforce would be gone if 800 people retired.  They would not be able to leave all the positions open.  Mr. Morgan agreed, adding that they would complete an evaluation once they determine who is leaving, which position, and in what department.  They will work with department heads and deputy county executive’s to determine the critical positions that would need to be backfilled.  Until that happens, it would be hard to provide upfront costs and potential savings. 

 

In response to Mrs. Ervin, Ms. Venditti confirmed that less than half of the positions were backfilled following the 2010 incentive.  Mr. Morgan reiterated that in order to participate in the program, the state required that no more than 50% of the positions be filled.  Mrs. Ervin said that this time there will not be any required limits.  It will be up the legislature.  Mr. Morgan agreed.  Mrs. Ervin asked if they were committed to backfilling needed positions.  Mr. Morgan said that if the resolution passes, they would complete the analysis once the notices have been received.  Chairman McMahon said that the legislature sets the roster.

 

In answer to Mrs. Ervin, Mr. Morgan confirmed that he would come back to the legislature for approval of the funds necessary to pay for the program.  At that same time, he would report on of the number of positions that could be left vacant and those needing to be filled.  Chair Knapp said that it would basically be critical positions.  It will be very dynamic, as this will be going on concurrently with the budget process.  Mr. Morgan said that the budget would be adopted prior to the end-date notice of 10/21/16.  Therefore, he envisions some budget adjustments.  Mr. Kilmartin said that it would likely be a moving target through the end of the process, i.e. 20 people leave one small department, department would ask for adjustments to backfill some positions in order to function.  Mr. Morgan said that he envisions a two-fold resolution, funding the incentive and a budget cleanup resolution at the same time.

 

In answer to Mrs. Ervin, Mr. Morgan confirmed that they received positive feedback on the tentative CSEA agreement. He has not talked to anyone in the union about this incentive, as it was just announced. If the tentative agreement is approved by the legislature, the package could be attractive to people already eligible to retire.  Ms. Williams noted that people do not have to participate.  Chair Knapp agreed, adding that it was completely voluntary. 

 

A motion was made by Mr. Kilmartin, seconded by Ms. Williams, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

 

7.     PURCHASE:

        a.     Revenue Contract Report NO SUBMISSION

 

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The meeting adjourned at 9:26 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

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KATHERINE M. FRENCH, Deputy Clerk

Onondaga County Legislature

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