Tuesday, May 15, 2012
© Copyright 2013
Rockdale Citizen
CONYERS -- Rockdale County employees can expect to receive a $1,000 bonus in the coming weeks.
Finance Director Roslyn Miller formally proposed the idea of the bonus Tuesday during the County Commissioners' work session.
Miller explained that it was expected that $2 million in reserve funds would need to be used to balance the 2011 budget. However, due to budget-cutting measures taken by department heads and constitutional officers, the $2 million in reserve funds was not needed, she said.
"Most departments came in under budget this year," Miller said.
She requested that the board use a portion of the $2 million to provide a bonus to county employees. Miller said all full-time county employees who have worked with the county for more than a year would receive a $1,000 bonus and part-time employees who work more than 20 hours a week would receive $250.
According to Tonya Parker, approximately 730 full-time employees would receive a $1,000 bonus and 70 part-time employees would receive the $250 bonus. Elected officials would not receive any bonus, Parker stated.
County employees have not received any raises or bonuses since 2008 when employees received an average of a 3 percent raise, according to Parker
Miller estimated this year's bonus would be a total of around $800,000, with approximately $100,000 being paid out of the Rockdale Water Resources budget. The remaining $1.1 million would be returned to the county's reserve fund.
This move will require county commissioners to vote on a budget amendment during its next scheduled public meeting.
Commissioner JaNice Van Ness said she favored providing a bonus for employees, but said she wanted to consider a couple of options.
"Tax Commissioner Dan Ray has projected an 8 percent decline in property taxes next year, so while I certainly value the work of our employees, I would like to consider giving a bonus of $500 with the remainder going back into the coffers so we do not have to raise taxes of our residents next year," Van Ness said.
If that was not acceptable to the other commissioners, Van Ness suggested paying the $1,000 bonuses in installments.
However, both Chairman Richard Oden and Commissioner Oz Nesbitt supported paying the $1,000 bonuses in one lump sum.
"Without question, our employees are long overdue for a bonus of some kind," Nesbitt said. "One thousand dollars is a great incentive, a great boost. I wish we were in a position to give more with a real, actual raise."
Oden agreed, pointing out that county employees have not received a raise in more than four years.
Nesbitt acknowledged that this action might be perceived by some to be motivated by the upcoming election, where he and Oden will face re-election challenges.
"Since every act we take is up for contention, I say we move forward and give our employees this bonus," Nesbitt said. "Let the naysayers be naysayers, and we will go ahead and take care of our employees."
More like this story
- Rockdale County employees to receive bonus ( May 23, 2012 )
- County employees keep paid holidays ( December 8, 2009 )
- County bonus checks going out today ( June 14, 2012 )
- First read of budget approved ( November 23, 2010 )
- Budget options mulled ( May 10, 2010 )
Comments
heresyafacts 1 year ago
I don't understand giving a flat $1k. Why wouldn't bonuses be based on that 3% per year? It seems unfair that someone who has been here a year would get the same bonus that someone who has worked five years -- and stuck it out four years without raises -- gets. And another thing: SOME employees GOT raises (and 'merit promotions' which were essentially raises) in the last four years, including Ms. Miller. Are they getting bonuses, too? That seems extremely unfair.
LEVESTERSMOM 1 year ago
All I can say is that it is about time the county did something, no matter how small, to acknowledge the hard working, dedicated employees of Rockdale County! It is a sin that most employees have gone without a pay increase since 2008. All consumer goods have raised in price, and although this bonus is a one-time deal, it might just be keeping someone from losing their home etc.
Substantial pay raises are in order and the county also needs to look at length of employment etc. when deciding what each individual deserves. I will be quite blunt now and say that it would be foolish at very best for the B.O.C. to deny these bonuses and if they really care, will exclude themselves.
I give each county employee who has lived through this nightmare a big thumbs up! That in itself proves an individual's dedication to the citizens they serve.
Rockdale needs to step up to the plate before they are so low on essential employees that it puts our citizens in danger. Employees are leaving and not being replaced in a timely manner. The members of the B.O.C. should ask themselves what they would do if they suddenly had to go without the services that County employees provide and act accordingly to retain current employees and hire new ones in a timely manner.
BOCWatch 1 year ago
@LevestersMom, the thing Oden/Nesbitt aren't telling you is that there are employees that have had raises over the last several years. They are just select employees by Chairman Oden. They don't tell you that since Oden has taken office the average salary for a director level position has increase around $15,000/yr.
Your statement isn't entirely true that county employees haven't had a raise. If you will go to the below link you will find an ORA that I submitted asking who has received raises in the past year. You will find that document here:
http://bocwatch.org/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=460
LEVESTERSMOM 1 year ago
I looked at the video and commented last night. My interest is for the true "public servants" ie. firefighters, deputies, 911 staff (without whom the whole public safety system would fall apart). I am well aware that director level positions are extremely unfair. Directors forget that without the core employees listed above they would have no one to direct so no job. I have the knowledge that the 911 staff, under the direction of the Fire and Rescue Chief, is understaffed and extremely underpaid. This needs to be fixed immediately to ensure the safety of all Rockdale County residents.
BOCWatch 1 year ago
My point with this is that the $1,000 bonus is a knee jerk reaction for Oden/Nesbitt during this election year. No one is arguing your points, however if Oden/Nesbitt would put a little thought into this they could create something meaningful for the employees.
Last year the employees were forced into a new healthcare plan; some employees are now required to pay more for their medication than before. It doesn't make a lot of sense to give an employee a $1,000 bonus when that may be eaten up in higher medication cost for some employees. Certainly this doesn't work for all employees but it does effect a large number of them.
I'm not arguing with you about our employees needing additional capital. I'm just saying that the way this is implemented is not fair to all employees. An employee that has 35 years of services gets the same as an employee that has 13 months? No, this is Oden/Nesbitt's patch to make the employees feel good for an election year. If they really cared about these employees they would put some thought into the plan rather than just tossing them a bone.
BOCWatch 1 year ago
Aimee did a great job on this article; however there are some things that don't come through unless you watch the video. I do have the relative segments from today's meeting posted at the following thread:
http://bocwatch.org/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=811
LEVESTERSMOM 1 year ago
Thanks for the thread...very interesting. I personally would rather pay more taxes next year than go without essential services such Fire & Rescue, water and the Sheriff's Department to name a few. Our dedicated employees deserve so much more than they are currently being compensated, especially Fire & Rescue (which includes the 911 staff) and the brave deputies fighting to keep our communities safe. Who can put a price tag on public safety?
BOCWatch 1 year ago
You and I are certainly on the same page here; however what upsets me is the misuse of the funds like we have seen over the last several years. If you look at the overall picture you will see additional staff and favortism towards certain departments (NOT Public Safety!!). For instance the BOC just added 2 additional staff members to the HR department, during the last 3 years the finance department has doubled in size. We spent some $5,000 on portraits to hang around the county, the State of the County address cost the tax payers an additional $5,400 this year. What about the trip to Washington for 2 BOC members? What about $122,000 that should have been rolled into the general fund? The list goes on and on and on for this administration, I can continue but you see the point.
This administration has more than squandered enough money to give our employees at least a 3% raise possibly 5%. However they have put the burden on the taxpayers, now when it is political expedient they hold a carrot out in front of our employees.
conyersgirl 1 year ago
the finance dept has not doubled in size in the last 3 years. in 2005 there were 10 positions, Director, Deputy Director, Reporting Officer, 2 - Finance Managers - 2 Staff Accountants, 2 Fiscal Officers & Office Manager (admin assist whichever you want to name it). Today there is 12 positions if you count the Grant Writer - Director, Deputy Director, Procurement Officer, Buyer, 2 - Finance Managers - 2 Staff Accountants, 2 Fiscal Officers & Office Manager. The issue with Finance Dept is that it was a revolving door because former Director was a bad leader & impossible to work for, this caused quite a few good employees to jump ship to other depts or leave county completely. With the exception of the newer positions added, everyone in that dept has been almost 5 years or longer now. That dept is the last to be wasting tax payer funds, they have a very hard job keeping dept heads & officials from wasting $$$$. 1 thing that could help curtail waste is overhaul of purchasing card system and holding department heads responsible for not following purchasing policies. THE 1 thing BOC has done i like is getting a procurement officer in this county, it has been long overdue!!!!
John_Galt 1 year ago
Gee, I wonder where the money came from. Maybe the commissioners should go out and play in traffic.
VPublicola 1 year ago
Election year!
heresyafacts 1 year ago
Having thought about this overnight, I would like to ask: why was a refund to Rockdale County property owners not considered, if there is an overage? I would think reimbursing taxpayers would help at least some of them pay on their mortgages.
trusslady 1 year ago
State law states that additional monies collected but not used under SPLOST's are to be: (a) used to pay down debt or (b) returned to taxpayers in the form of ad valorum relief. Ever see that happen in Rockdale? And I know for a fact there is left over SPLOST money from the the two earlier collections. If they won't follow state law, what makes you think they would even begin to offering relief from excess funds?
letskeepitreal 1 year ago
I don't know why the county employees can't receive raises. The BOC's received a 3 and 4% raise this year and they are making a great deal of money. If it wasn't for the county employees this county would be crap. If they would stop spending unnecessary funds EX: new parks & trails, maybe they can treat their employees right. What is the purpose of doing evaluations and employees aren't compensated for their work. Money in Rockdale County is always being waisted. Do something positive for the kids in the county so they will have something positive to do. Then you will see the difference in the youth in the community. Not to mention which they probably did forget. They increased the emplyees insurance rate through conventry insuance which sucks. That is extra money taken out of their checks and no raise in FOUR YEARS. They could have at least given them the cost of living increase raise. It is really sad t see county employees at food banks and other facilities trying to get help for utilities and other bills to help them get by. If other employees in different departments have received raises then it should be done across the board. The $1000,00 bonus is good and long over do. They really need to look at the long haul. Bills are constantly going up and no one is going to wait to be paid and the lack of money these employess are missing is disgusting. Bad enough ROCKDALE COUNTY IS THE LOWEST PAID COUNTY around. It doesn't affect any member of the BOC because they are getting paid and getting raises. That sounds a little selfish to me. Actually they don't care because it's not affecting their households. These employees need raises and the money is their and yall know it. Treat them fair and right. The $1.000.00 bonuses should go to employees who have been here two or more years and have weathered this dreadful storm. All others should get $250.00. Get some better insurance also without the high co-pays and family coverage. I know who i'm not voting for. Stressed out employee. :(
whyohwhy 1 year ago
I dont understand how you all sit through the BOC meetings or even watch them through the video links posted. I want to jump in my car and drive it off of a bridge!
But in reference to this article...$1k ....sure they'll take it. But lets get real people...they need long term money not a one time deal! The bills come every month. And lets not forget that once the $1k is taxed they might be lucky to get $600.
The county employees need a raise. A 3 to 5 % raise that lasts...now thats something that might prevent one of the county employees from losing their house or car or put clothes on their children's backs or even food in their belly.
This $1k is a like changing the oil in your car one time...but it has 300,000 miles. You expect the car to continue to work and yet you do not take care of it.
GET REAL ROCKDALE!!!
judgedredd 1 year ago
RCSO - Lowest paid law enforcement agency in metro ATL. City of Conyers gets a raise every year and starts off higher
RCFD - Lowest paid FD in metro Atlanta
Water - Lowest paid in metro Atlanta.
See a theme? If the citizens of this county do not correct this then you will have a bunch of people who will leave and are replaced by people who do not mind making the lowest money in metro JUST TO MAKE MORE MONEY.
There are Sheriff Deputies patrolling our streets, protecting our children, protecting our property and answering all of our 911 calls with a smile on their face. They love this county and the dept they work for, but their ONLY, and I mean ONLY complaint is MONEY.
Fire Dept is the same way. They have to spend countless hours of there off duty time with side businesses or side jobs just to make ends meet.
These ESSENTIAL employees of our wonderful county will leave if this doesnt change and change fast. I understand they will be replaced but if your choice was between working for Henry Co FD starting at 36 - 38k a year or Rockdale FD starting at 30k a year... which one would you choose? It is even worse when it comes to our law enforcement. This is just plain sad.
I am sorry, someone had to say it and I WILL. We need to not only give this 'one time bonus' but follow that up with a formula to provide our essential personnel with a raise. I love my Sheriff's Office and my Fire Department. Atleast a raise that will be par to the rest of Metro Atlanta.
I will speak for you guys, since no one will!
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