Maricopa Currents: County News For You

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COUNTY NEWS ROOM  |   JULY 6, 2021

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Pay Raises

Many of you will be getting a larger paycheck in the coming year.  

 

After all the uncertainty of the past 18 months, here's something to take comfort in: the Pay-for-Performance plan approved by the Board of Supervisors late last month means successful employees across appointed departments, elected offices, and the Judicial Branch will receive higher pay in fiscal year 2022.  

 

This performance-based pay increase comes just a few months after the Board approved a one-time, discretionary payment of up to 3% of budgeted regular salaries for eligible employees across our entire organization. 

 

The bottom line: if you're doing your job well, you'll be now be getting paid more money to do it.

 

Looking for specifics?  Talk to your supervisor or HR representative. 

 

Blue Bullet Point

HEADLINE STORIES

Help Me Help You

COVID, care, health

A new influx of federal funds will enable county employees to make more of a difference on the issues that matter to our community.  Maricopa County is getting $435 million in funds this year through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).  At the direction of the Board, those funds will be put to use addressing public health and economic recovery needs related to the COVID-19 crisis including:

  • More public health clinics
  • More affordable housing
  • Eviction prevention
  • Workforce support
  • Behavioral health and addiction recovery

 

The goal is bring stability to individuals, families, and businesses impacted by the pandemic.

 

Learn more >

Heat Relief for the Homeless

Human Services Campus

In an effort that will no doubt save lives, the Human Services Department (HSD) and its partners have collaborated to provide an additional 200 cooled sleeping spaces for people experiencing homelessness in the Phoenix area. The partnership includes transporting people from the Human Services Campus to St. Vincent de Paul where they can have a meal and refresh with water and sleep.  In the video, you'll meet a 71-year-old woman named Loraine who never expected to be homeless, but is grateful the County hasn't forgotten about people like her.

 

The expanded weather-relief transportation and shelter services will operate through September 30.

 


FEATURED VIDEO

2021 Monsoon Forecast

Monsoon 2021 Forecast

We asked the experts at the Flood Control District what to expect for Monsoon 2021.  See if it will hotter or rainier than usual in the video above.

Red Bullet

AROUND THE COUNTY

New Planning & Development Director

Tom Ellsworth, P&D Director

Say hello to Tom Ellsworth, the new Director of Planning and Development! Tom has 22 years of professional planning experience.  Most recently, he was Principal Planner for the City of Mesa.  Tom started on June 28 and says it's a great time to join the team with the recent surge in new builds and renovation projects around the county.


Badge Me In

Badging Office

Need a new security badge?  The Badging Office at the county administration building has new hours. They are: Monday - Friday: 8:00 am-4:00 pm, by appointment only.

 

Schedule an appointment >


Need a Passport?

Passport Services

The Clerk of the Superior Court is once again offering passport services!  But be patient: the demand right now is high. To renew your passport or get a new one, you should plan ahead, allow ample time, and schedule an appointment here. Bon voyage!

 


Get Cultured!

Culture Pass

The Library District has the perfect way to get out and about.  Just check out a "Culture Pass."  It provides admission for two at participating arts organizations around the Valley.  Currently, four organizations are participating and six more will be added this month. 

 

Visit the Library District’s website for full details, and to check the availability of passes at your library. You must check out the Culture Pass in-person at the library, and are limited to one pass per family.

 


Red Bullet

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

Employee COVID Vaccination Program Ending

COVID Currents

With more locations around our community offering COVID-19 immunization, the county's employee vaccination program will end this month.

 

You can still get a shot if you self-schedule a vaccination for you and your family members by 5:00 pm on Friday, July 9. This allows you to receive your first dose on July 10 and your second dose on July 31. If you miss this deadline, find a COVID-19 vaccine location here.

 


"Data Science: The Big Picture" featuring Matthew Renze

Matthew Heinz

Join OET on Tuesday, July 13 from 11:30 to 12:30 pm when Matthew Renze, Pluralsight author, provides an overview of data science and its importance for organizations like ours.

 

The event is part of OET's "Skill Up" month dedicated to personal growth and development. Register in TheHUB.


Green Bullet

CAPTION CONTEST

Congratulations, Deborah Johnson!

Spooky with caption

Cleo isn't just a really cute cat - apparently she's also super smart! Deborah Johnson from the Clerk of the Court thinks Cleo is conniving to get treats. Thanks Deborah for letting us in on the secret, and thank you to everyone who submitted a caption!


Now for this issue's photo...

Submit your caption online

Olaf on Refrigerator

Maybe Olaf needs to chat with Cleo. Looks like he's got access to treats! Or does he? Send us a caption using the link above. Want to share your favorite pet pic with us?  Email us and we may include it in a future issue of Currents.

Orange Bullet

IN THE NEWS

Maricopa County Approves $3.4B Budget

via yourvalley.net

 

Heat Deaths Edge Up in Maricopa County, 9 Confirmed

via www.abc15.com

 

Evicted Family Surrenders 18 Dogs to Phoenix Animal Shelter

via www.abc15.com

 

NBA Championship Odds: Phoenix Suns' 2021 NBA Title Shot Surges After Game 6 vs. Clippers

via azcentral.com

 

Gray Bullet

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

We hope you and yours had a great holiday weekend celebrating Independence Day!

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