INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

  Chair called workshop to order at 4:03 p.m., asked for moment of silence

CONSENT

  Nesmith/Green

4-0

CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD (3-Minute Limit)

Due to COVID-19 and the efforts of the Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners to continue the practice of social distancing, Commissioners want to continue to hear from citizens under the Citizens Requesting to be Heard section of the agenda.

If citizens have any questions, comments, or concerns, please email CitizensToBeHeard@gadsdencountyfl.gov and anticipate receiving a response within 48 hours.

The Board of County Commissioners would like to thank everyone for their patience and flexibility during this time.

GENERAL BUSINESS

1.

Welcome

2.

Presentation of the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office Salary Study

  Dixon introduced above item; Sheriff Young submitted salary study

  Jennifer Collins, J Collins Consulting, LLC, remotely appeared before the Board.  Found in salary comparison used info from FDLE from 2018 data and found #1 Sheriff reported lowest entry level of salary; included local agencies; saw Sgt and Lt in Sheriff office was 15% lower on average and minimum salary of officers ranked in bottom 3^rd.  Limits recruitment and retention in Sheriff’s Office.  Development entry level salary, medium and average

  Green said was concern for him; based on studies, compared

Collins said did not focus on size of county

  V said was concern to him regarding retention and recruitment.  When get into budget workshop, do not add in to their budget

If GC losing deputies to these agencies and comparing salaries to other offices, does that mean deputies are also leaving those agencies that was pulling Gadsden County deputies to them? 

  Collins said depended on agencies where other sheriff’s offices located, we are next to State capitol and are opportunities for them to work for state agencies along with state colleges and other agencies in Leon County.  Have to look where officers going.

  V said in step one, asked Collins what current salary is $31,000 for Gadsden County

  Green asked if they realized would be hard to compete with other agencies.  Felt like we were starting point for other agencies. 

  Holt noticed in report look at some grant writers, need permanent grant writer, but looking at what have now, unless come into more money, can’t give any more.  Asked how many people in categories looking at. 

Katherine Pondexter appeared remotely.   Gave Jeff total number of employees they have.  Said looking at 36 LEO sworn; 10 bailiffs, looked at correctional officers-looked at 27 correctional officers and LEO’s.

  Chair agreed with V, when Sheriff turns his in, need to look at along with Property Appraiser and Tax Collector.  Felt info very helpful

  V, how can revenue be generated, Holt already alluded to that. 

  Holt said felt this was very informative, could this report be included when start budget season.        

  Green asked Pondexter, since aware of shortage and definitely issue, what mechanism they doing to recruit new officers.  Col. Collins probably one to answer.  Sent info to Chair and Budget Director, study was done to look at small County tax and unrestricting that so could be used for operational costs-may be one-way Board could look at.  Col. Collins could expound on that.

  Collins appeared remotely.  Uniquely situated because have law enforcement training in back yard.  Lost 2 last week.  Getting new Sheriffs’ coming in in Jackson County and Liberty County-one reason because other agencies paying more money.  Very expensive to put deputy on street because of costs that have to be paid, background mental evaluation, uniforms, background checks so hard and until realize salaries need to be competitive will have problem.  Green made great point that locals don’t know LEO anymore. 

  Holt said appreciated his passion.  Will be going into budget season soon.  Housing was also issue. Don’t have housing for officers.  Small County tax being used for EMS and Road and Bridge. 

  V suggested if go into budget before first workshop, suggested that budget director and Sheriff office budget analyst look into what getting this year and what requested for next year.

  Holt reminded commissioners they needed to request Manager and Attorney, the 2 employees and they were ones to address staff. 

  Dixon said would start budget process earlier so may be more prolific and be done sooner.  Said this was real and officers not being taken from here, being taken from other areas. 

  Holt said sometimes if can’t do salary at level want, may can do…

Get data back

  NeSmith asked administrator, currently have requested

Dixon said this was new request - $1 Million over and above what asked for last year-just for personnel and salary.

  Pondexter said was confused on $1 Million that was mentioned.  Included other costs other than salary study. 

  Holt asked what was budget for Sheriff for last year-$7.7 Million and this would be approximately $8.3.  She added new commissioners needed to hear          

MOTION TO ADJOURN

  Adjourned at 4:46 p.m.