PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
August 16, 2017
NOT APPROVED
Committee Members Present: D. Root, P. Curran, D.
Decker, D. Fanton, P. Stockin, C. Crandall (Absent: T. O’Grady)
Others Present: L. Ballengee, T. Boyde, K. Graves, D.
Healy, K. Hollis, R. Hollis, J. Hopkins, C. Jessup, K. LaForge, T. Miner, B.
Riehle, T. Ross, M. Washer
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at
3:00 p.m. by Committee Vice-Chairman Debra Root.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Legislator Decker, seconded by
Legislator Curran, and carried to approve the Personnel Committee minutes of
July 19, 2017.
Referral from Public Safety Committee
4th Assistant Public Defender
Public Defender Barbara Kelley requested permission to
create one full-time 4th Assistant Public Defender under the Section IV Salary
Plan. This position will provide coverage for off-hour arraignments on a
consistent basis, and it is meeting mandates of Hurrell-Herring to provide
counsel at arraignment. The annual cost of this position is $70,000 with
benefits estimated at $31,290. This position is funded 100 percent by the
Counsel at First Appearance Grant. Legislator Graves asked if there are any
counties that aren’t doing this or have challenged the State. Ms. Kelley stated
she is not aware of any challenges to the State, but she does know that there
are other counties similar to us who are trying to find their way, come up with
a plan, and figure out how to comply. Legislator Graves then asked if these
counties have also taken State money or if they are doing it on their own. Ms.
Kelley stated not all counties have been awarded grants, and are doing this on
their own. Legislator Graves stated we keep seeing all of these grants, and
it’s getting concerning that we keep relying on them, adding if the well dries
up, we’re going to find ourselves in a tough situation. Legislator Fanton
stated generally these grant employees are based on the availability of the
grant; therefore, if the grant money goes away, unfortunately so does the
employee. Ms. Kelley stated she believes that is also the case with these
positions. Legislator Graves stated our obligation to comply with the law won’t
go away. Ms. Kelley stated the trend seems to be that the State needs to be
coming up with money to fund these types of mandated programs. Legislator
Graves stated with all due respect, he doesn’t trust the State of New York.
Legislator Fanton asked if we are absolutely legally required to do this. Ms. Kelley
stated, yes, we are. Legislator Curran stated this grant is to cover us for a
State mandated cost, and if three years down the road the State says they
aren’t covering this anymore, then we will say we aren’t employing these people
anymore. Legislator Graves stated we won’t have a choice. Legislator Root added
it will just become another unfunded mandated program. This request was
approved on a motion made by Legislator Fanton, seconded by Legislator Curran,
and carried. Prepare Resolution
Investigative Case Assistant
Public Defender Barbara Kelly requested permission to create
one full-time Investigative Case Assistant under the Section IV Salary Plan.
This position will perform investigations as well as case management and social
work. The annual cost of this position is $45,000 with benefits estimated at
$20,115. This position is funded 100 percent with the Counsel at First Appearance
Grant. Legislator Fanton asked if the grant monies will cover these employees
who may have to travel. Ms. Kelley stated she has factored in everything she
could think of for this grant, and she doesn’t anticipate it will have any
County costs. Legislator Healy asked if this is a civil service position. Ms.
Kelley stated she has discussed that with Personnel Officer H.R. Robert
Budinger, and they do believe it will be a tested position; however, they are
unsure of what type of test will need to be taken. This request was approved on
a motion made by Legislator Decker, seconded by Legislator Stockin, and
carried. Prepare Resolution
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the
committee, the meeting was adjourned at 3:08 p.m. following a motion by
Legislator Fanton, seconded by Legislator Decker, and carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Meghan Washer, Secretary to Clerk of the Board
Allegany County Board of Legislators
