PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
May 8, 2017
NOT APPROVED
Committee Members Present: T. O’Grady, D. Root, P. Curran,
D. Decker, D. Fanton, P. Stockin, C. Crandall
Others Present: L. Ballengee, T. Boyde, B. Budinger, K.
Dirlam, K. Graves, L. Gridley, D. Healy, K. Hollis, R. Hollis, C. Jessup, K.
LaForge, T. Miner, B. Riehle, M. Washer, N. Ungermann
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 12:47 p.m.
by Committee Chairman Timothy O’Grady.
Physically
Handicapped Director
Public Health Director Lori Ballengee requested a resolution
to change the grade of one full-time Physically Handicapped Children’s
Coordinator from Grade 5 to Grade 4. This request is being made because the
previous administrative duties of this position have been incorporated into a
different position. This position is critical to ensuring children ages 3-5
years old receive the services they need, and ensures work for a mandated
program is completed. This resolution is contingent on agreement with the PEF
Union. Ms. Ballengee distributed a report to the committee that reflects the
savings these positions impose, and stated the previous salaries of these
positions were $104,000, and it is being reduced to $83,000. Committee Chairman
Tim O’Grady asked if this is a permanent savings, or will it compress over time
due to raises. Ms. Ballengee stated the person being placed in this position
will start out at base, and it will take eleven years for the employee to max
out where the previous employee was. Legislator Decker stated he understands
this is a mandated program, but the problem he has is with the preschool part
of it, adding that several studies have shown by the time children reach second
grade, those that have attended preschool and those who have not reflect the
same scores; therefore, he doesn’t see a need for preschool and has issue that
it’s bundled in with the mandated program. Ms. Ballengee stated these children
in preschool are those with disabilities, and they have a significant delay in
learning. Legislator Decker asked for confirmation that the County isn’t
offering a full preschool program similar to surrounding schools. Ms. Ballengee
stated, no, it is only for children with significant developmental delays,
adding studies have shown that if you get those children help earlier, they
show significant improvement in learning. Legislator Decker stated he retracts
his previous comment. This request was approved on a motion made by Legislator
Fanton, seconded by Legislator Stockin, and carried. Refer to Ways and Means
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the
committee, the meeting was adjourned at 12:52 p.m. following a motion by
Legislator Fanton, seconded by Legislator Root, and carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Meghan Washer, Secretary to Clerk of the Board
Allegany County Board of Legislators
