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Colleagues,
We have several important updates to share with you. We understand this is a lot of information and appreciate your attention to these matters.
Classification & Compensation Study
As you may know, we have been working with a consultant to study our employee job classifications and compensation. During Friday's Board of Commissioners budget retreat, we shared an update with the Board, as well as adjustments we intend to implement in phase one with the first pay period in March 2024.
To ensure we are offering fair and competitive pay for the important work you all do, effective with the paycheck deposited on March 14, all full- and part-time employees will receive a pay increase or a one-time payment, depending on where an employee's salary is within the proposed increased pay range. Your supervisor will have updated pay information for you when it's available within the coming weeks.
You can view the full presentation here that includes more specific information about this pay increase for employees in March, as well as subsequent phases that are contingent upon Board of Commissioners approval in the annual budget appropriation process.
We are also considering a couple of new benefits for employees; changes to benefits are subject to approval by the Board of Commissioners in the annual budget adoption.
Hiring Freeze Effective March 1
Each year, we budget according to estimates for our various funding sources, but while these projections are often conservative to allow a best case scenario, they are simply estimates. Approximately one-fifth of our funding comes from sales tax revenue. For the past several years, we have seen significant growth in our sales tax collections. Unfortunately, this year, we have not seen that same growth, and we have observed sales tax revenue that is significantly under budget over the course of the fiscal year. While total collections are not declining, they are significantly short of what was budgeted.
In light of the current fiscal situation, we request that all departments monitor their operating funds closely and identify areas where spending can be tightened. Departments may continue to use approved funding in the current fiscal year for critical items and to accomplish essential business needs.
Additionally, we will implement a hiring freeze effective March 1 through June 30, 2024, for all positions funded through the General Fund, excluding public safety positions in the Sheriff's Office and Emergency Communications. While this measure is necessary to manage our current financial situation, we will carefully consider other critical positions on a case-by-case basis. We understand the importance of maintaining a strong and capable team to provide valuable services to residents, customers and community partners. Hiring managers should consult with their department director to determine if a position may be posted during the hiring freeze period.
These measures allow us to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to support our ongoing operations. These measures are subject to change as we continue to monitor the latest sales tax data.
Employee Climate Survey Begins Today
The 2024 Employee Climate Survey is kicking off today, Feb. 12. Every other year, this survey provides you an opportunity to give feedback to us and County Commissioners so we may gain insight on your perspective about the work environment in our organization. Your confidentiality in this process is important to us and efforts are made through the survey platform to make this an anonymous process. A third-party consultant will present a summary of responses to county leadership later this spring.
Results from the survey are used to enact change, keep us moving forward, and make strides to improve our organization for years to come.
You will be receiving an email this afternoon directly from Survey Monkey with your unique link to collect your confidential responses.
This is an important tool for improvements to the organization and we thank you in advance for providing feedback by Feb. 23.
We know this is a lot of information at once, and we appreciate your attention to these important updates. If you have questions, please speak with your supervisor or department director.
We have said before and it remains true - our employees are our greatest asset. Thank you for your dedication to our organization and your commitment to providing Union County residents with exceptional service.
Sincerely,
 Brian Matthews, Patrick Niland, Clayton Voignier
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