(DISCUSSION/ACTION) current status of Workers Comp/Overtime in Juvenile Hall and Log Cabin Ranch. Current Dept budget status (ie. on target, exceeding budget thresholds, under
spending; in which divisions). Potential lay offs, other cuts. Next FY budget planning issues/timeline
WC/OT: M. Lui reported WC is trending down, half in Sept what it was in July, but this “surplus” can easily be used up by larger cases that might happen. Among outstanding costs –from cases on the books-- the highests are from the year 2000. He explained it as the year that bill 4859 took effect, which gave peace officers 100% of their salaries while on WC, non taxed. Comm Stiglich asked who manages the WC. Lui said the division directors: eg. JH: D. Doyle, LCRS: D. Sanders B. Johnston said that S. Kinghorne was hired to take over that task.
Comm Stiglich asked for S. Kinghorne to come report to the Committee next time.
Lui reported that among the Sept cases, one case is costing some $365K, among 18 that are costing $100K. 12 cases cost in Sept, alone, $2000 each.
Com. Stiglich asked what the oldest outstanding case of WC was. Lui didn’t know. B. Johnston said it goes back to the 70s. Lui said the discussions with DHR revolve around how to solve these problems, possibly trying to offer a settlement.
OT: Lui said it is down, due to the use of the on call counselors. Total OT budgeted is $757K. it appears we will be about $400K over the budgeted amount.
Lui also reported that the projected deficit in dept salaries is about $1 million. (projected retirements are not coming through).
Comm Stiglich asked what the single biggest cause of OT is. WC probably is.
There was a short discussion regarding the difficulty in getting a strong on call list. B. Johnston commented that they were thinking it was better when they used to do physical fitness tests so that hires are in good physical condition to do the job (lessening the likelihood for job related injury).
Possibility: recruit individuals from the CBOs for temp on call positions.
Comm Stiglich commented that we want to come in “grossly” under budget, not just under budget.
Lui reported a re organization of duties from counselors to POs as court officers (due: D. Doyle). This will save about $30K.
Lui said there was about $250K used to pay for sick leave. Almost 50% of the peace officers post staff had had 12 or more “occurrences” of sick leave in the past 12 months. Further clarification of this needs to be done.
Lui reported that next FY, there is a projected $130 mil citywide deficit.
Comm Hale asked that attention be given to how cuts in other depts. will affect services to this Dept.
Ques: are any divisions over budget? Ans: JH due to OT.
Comm Stiglich said the Committee will meet again the 2nd week of Dec. to continue discussion on this budget, as well as plan for the next FY budget.
Comm Hale asked to speak privately with Chief Johnston regarding the public comments (eg. V. Newman), and the process followed by the Dept in deciding to cut that position.
Comm Hale also asked for a more detailed report on WC, with much more specifics.
Lui commented that the city is doing an audit of OT in the city and seeing which employees are accumulating more than 24% of their base pay in OT. The depts. are asked to submit a plan to the city on how they are going to address this issue. Comm Stiglich repeated her request for S. Kinghorne to come report.
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