 Workforce warrior takes well-earned retirement
Arnold Palacios jokes that he knows what he’ll be doing on Oct. 1.
Sleeping until mid-afternoon.
Palacios will have earned a good rest. After spending the past several months helping the County navigate the economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic while overseeing the merger of two major departments, the Director of Community & Workforce Development (CWD) has taken a deep breath and announced his retirement. His last day will be Sept. 30.
ECAP connecting in new ways
County employees have already pledged more than $52,000 to this year’s Employees Care About Pima County (ECAP) Campaign. The campaign launched Sept. 1 and will run through Nov. 30.
The need is great due to the pandemic, notes County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry. COVID also has forced the ECAP committee to get creative when it comes to connecting employees to opportunities to give. Last year’s effort raised more than $300,000. This year’s goal is $330,000.
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Sustainability plan charts path toward fulfilling climate mitigation goals
Staff in the Office of Sustainability and Conservation is working to successfully meet the County’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions and prepare for climate impacts using a new implementation plan for the County’s 2018-2025 Sustainable Action Plan for County Operations (SAPCO).
Find out what you can do to help Pima County’s sustainability efforts.
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County won’t pursue payroll tax deferral for employees
Pima County has opted out of the voluntary federal Payroll Tax Deferral that was made available by Presidential Memorandum on Aug. 8. This option would have allowed the County, through the end of the year, to withhold and defer payment of Social Security tax for employees whose wages are below $4,000 each pay period. While you might still see stories of the Payroll Tax Deferral in the news, County paychecks will be unaffected. County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry explains why.
Healthy Happenings: Flu shots, tuition discounts and the emotional impacts of COVID-19
This issue links employees to the "Stretch, Don't Strain Challenge," opportunities for flu shots and tuition discounts at the UofA, ASU, NAU and Grand Canyon University. You'll also find important resources on taking care of your mental health in the midst of COVID-19.
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Deadline is Sept. 25 to complete unlawful discrimination course
The Human Resources Training and Staff Development Team has rolled out an online course explaining federal and state laws as well as County policies and procedures regarding unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
The course is mandatory for all Pima County employees and must be completed by Sept. 25, 2020. There is a summary after the quiz and you must complete this summary before you are able to receive your certificate and exit the course.
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Emergency Procurement Guide offers guidance on COVID purchases
The County Administrator has waived normal procurement practices, limited to specific items, to meet the County’s emergency needs in response to the COVID-19 situation. The Procurement Department has provided an Emergency Procurement Guide.
While the Emergency is still active, the supply chain is catching up and departments, other than the Health Department, should have very limited needs under the waiver.
Human Resources needs YOU for its diversity training video
The Training and Development team of Pima County Human Resources would like to include a diverse array of employees in its upcoming training video on diversity, equity and inclusion.
They’d like to see employees on the job, whether that’s behind a desk, in a forklift, with animals or serving the public in some other way. Individuals who represent the broad diversity of our employees, while also providing a fair representation of various County departments, are most needed.
Want to participate? Send a quick cellphone video of yourself via KiteWorks to HR.Reception@pima.gov by Sept. 28 saying “I am Pima County!” Feel free to include items or background materials that represent your culture or heritage, or whatever makes you, you!
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Thinking of retiring? Sept. 22 online presentation covers details
Learn the simple steps you need to take when getting ready to retire from Pima County in this online presentation Sept. 22.
The presentation also will help you understand the differences in your benefit options depending on your age when you retire. You'll also learn how to receive premium subsidies, the resources available, and who to contact for your retirement benefits.
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September is library card sign-up month
Did you know that Americans go to public libraries more often than they go to the movies? They do and you can too.
Sign up online for a library card and open the door to books, streaming video, audio, music, ebooks, comics, a seed library, job resources and much more.
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Mystery Photo
Where was I taken?
Send your best guess to MysteryPhoto@pima.gov. Be sure to put Mystery Photo in the subject line.
Our last Mystery Photo had only one correct guess. Find out where it was taken and who guessed correctly.
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