9-16-19 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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were made due to a mini market study done by Springsted in 2014. Since that time, we have internally surveyed 20% of our jobs on an annual basis. Depending on available funds during each budget process, changes were made as the internal studies warranted. This year, no changes were made to employees pay due to budget constraints because of the Revaluation and seeking to lower the tax rate. For several years, Lee County's salaries were ahead of most surrounding counties. The three surrounding counties conducted pay and classification studies in the last year, resulting in salary increases. These changes made by the other counties have caused Lee County to lose several employees and has created difficulty in finding quality employees. During the month of August we had 7 social workers resign employment to take positions in surrounding counties due to pay. In the Health Department, we have had almost a complete turn over in the Nursing Department. Nurses have taken positions in other counties due to pay. We have seen employee turnover in the Sheriff's office due to salary issues. Other departments are experiencing difficulty in recruitment. It is necessary that the County address these salary issues. The job market is strong and the County must be competitive to attract and retain good professional employees. County Manager John Crumpton stated that the goal of this study is to have it read to present at the Board's retreat in January. Commissioner Sharpe moved to approve the issuance of a market salary study for Lee County Government. Upon a vote, the results were as follows: Aye: Dalrymple, Del Palazzo, Dodson, Knecht, Reives, Sharpe, Smith Nay: None The Chair ruled the motion carried unanimously. B. Discussion of a modification to the Lee County Code of Ordinances to allow conceal carry of handguns on certain county properties. Commissioner Dodson requested to lift the restrictions that are currently in place regarding conceal carry. He stated that the Board cannot legislate its way out of gun violence. He argued that the sign prohibiting firearms gives a false sense of security. He supported employees having the ability to defend themselves. Commissioner Dodson charged the Board to trust citizens to be law abiding. Following discussion, Commissioner Smith moved to proceed with the first reading of the proposed conceal carry ordinance. Upon a vote the results were as follows: Aye: Del Palazzo, Dodson, Knecht, Sharpe, Smith Nay: Dalrymple, Reives The Chair ruled the motion carried 5:2. Commissioner Reives stated that he wanted the record to show he supported the employees of Lee County. The Chair reiterated what Commissioner Reives said and that she does not want to see the County bear any liability if this goes through. Commissioner Reives requested a map of the excluded public buildings be publicized along with a copy of the conceal carry ordinance following its adoption. County Manager John Crumpton stated that the County plans on offering conceal carry classes and shoot/don't shoot classes to give more awareness to employees. Chair Dalrymple requested to require additional regular training for County employees. Commissioner Smith stated that it's outside the realm of a conceal carry holder to require CIT training and did not view it as being advantageous to everyday employees. The County also has the Community Resource Officer program. The employee training would be offered on Saturdays and would be Page 618