06-02-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--June 2,2003 2601 Sheriff Rudnick said it is his political right to appoint a second chief deputy in his department, and he feels there are enough duties to warrant two major positions. He said he is looking at this as a way to reallocate administrative staff at a savings of at least $4,706. The sheriff said Glenn Ellingsberg would keep some current duties and other duties will be picked up by staff in the department. The lieutenant's position in the jail is a recommendation of the jail consultant, and this lieutenant will work nights and weekends, he said. Mr. Wagner said the issue here is following county procedures, and personnel policy 7.00 requires that a PAQ (Position Analysis Questionnaire) be submitted with a reclassification request, which is then reviewed by the Personnel Overview Committee to determine if there is at least a 25% change in duties; and, if so, the PAQ would ultimately be sent to the county's consultant, Fox Lawson Associates, for grading. Mr. Vanyo said policies and procedures are in place that need to be followed in order to protect ourselves. He said Jim Thoreson's duties as chief deputy are entirely different than what the jail duties would be. Sheriff Rudnick said there is no PAQ designed specifically for Jim Thoreson as chief deputy in the department, other than the political appointment of major. Mr. Wagner was concerned about getting additional reclassification requests because of spreading Glenn's current duties around, however, the sheriff said the only duty to be reassigned is the evidence room. Sheriff Rudnick asked about a PAQ to begin hiring the lieutenant position, and Bonnie Johnson, County Coordinator, said a PAQ for the lieutenant position was sent to the consultant about two years ago so it has already been graded. Mr. Meyer suggested that the lieutenant position in the jail be filled if the sheriff has money in other line items in his budget. Mrs. Sorum said the sheriff asked about bringing this matter to the Personnel Overview Committee at the last meeting of that group and was told that would not be necessary. Mrs. Johnson said Sheriff Rudnick did not indicate he planned to re-grade the position at that time. Mrs. Sorum asked if the sheriff is willing to attend a Personnel Overview Committee meeting concerning his request to re-grade the position, and the sheriff still feels this is taking away his political clout to appoint a chief deputy. Mr. Vanyo said a policy change should be made in writing if the board is going to allow the sheriff to make this promotion. Mrs. Johnson gave some background on how department heads used to appoint deputies, however, that changed when the county hired a consulting firm, and positions are classified based on duties rather than titles. Also, to protect the county from liability issues, she said the job should be posted since the county is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Mr. Vanyo asked Mrs. Sorum, who has the Sheriffs Department portfolio, how she thinks the sheriff should proceed. She suggested scheduling a Personnel Overview Committee meeting as soon as possible if the board agrees he should prepare a PAQ. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mr. Meyer seconded to direct Sheriff Rudnick to develop a PAQ (Position Analysis Questionnaire) for the position of jail administrator, following county personnel policies, and going to the Personnel Overview Committee. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.