07-11-1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

CommI Minutes--July 11, 1991 707 COMMISSIONERS, Comments given on grievance report and decision made to hire 5 new Jail staff Chairman Shannon asked for Commissioners comments and suggestions on the grievance report: Mr. Wieland discussed the flexibility in the option of hiring three employees as opposed to five. Mr. Shannon is in favor of a long-range manpower plan and suggested hiring 3 new jail staff and using 2 field staff from the Sheriff Department to fill in. Sheriff Rudnick explained that using field staff as fill-ins is a "scheduling nightmare". Also, in September the new booking area in the Jail will be completed, and a new position will be needed for this area. The Sheriff said the field staff are paid overtime to fill in, so by hiring only 3 new staff the County would not necessarily be saving money. Mr. Eckert asked the Sheriff to reaffirm that hiring 3 employees would create scheduling problems and Sheriff Rudnick agreed. Mr. Eckert agrees with a long-range plan but said this type of planning is not always workable for current problems. Mrs. Toussaint asked the Sheriff if he has the flexibility to use 2 field staff if only 3 employees were hired. He said there is flexibility, but there is a backlog of work for the field staff when substituting for another person. Mrs. Toussaint agrees with a long- range plan and said it would be the Sheriff's plan, not the Commission's. Mr. Risher asked Sheriff Rudnick if the jail staff were considered sworn personnel. The Sheriff said jail personnel are trained in the correctional aspect and are not sworn personnel. Mr. Wieland said the county could hire 5 new staff and after completing a staffing study of the jail, could cut back if needed. MOTION, passed Mr. Wieland moved and Mr. Eckert seconded to allow the Sheriff to hire five new staff for corrections immediately, to continue reviewing the situation at the jail and complete a staffing analysis to be completed within 90 days. Discussion: Mr. Kildahl said the Commission has to remember that by moving the dispatch, someone will have to "man" this area. Mr. Wieland said by removing dispatch, this may relieve other employees of some duties and a decision could be made at that time if cutbacks on staff need to be made. On roll call vote, motion carried with 3 members voting "Yes", Mr. Shannon and Mrs. Toussaint voting "No".