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VlI.B Classification and Pay Study -7 <br /> Human Resources Director Joyce McGehee asked for the Board to consider a <br /> classification and pay study. In late 2019 and early 2020, a pay study of all Lee County <br /> positions was conducted. Changes were made; however, the pay study was not <br /> completely funded in the 20-21 budget, the 21-22 budget or the 22-23 budget due to the <br /> costs of completely funding the pay plan. The goal is to have the pay study completed <br /> by March for the budget. Mrs. McGehee recommends approving the pay study. <br /> Commissioner Sharpe asked is there any difference between this pay study and the <br /> last? The last study was in 2019 and since then, another county close to us has given <br /> raises for the past two years. Mrs. McGehee said private sector jobs would also be <br /> looked at. The pay study is necessary to retain our employees. Other organizations are <br /> actively recruiting are employees thus it is important to complete the study to make <br /> plans for retention measures going forward. <br /> Motion: Motion to approve the Classification and Pay Study. <br /> Mover: Robert Reives <br /> For: 7 - Arianna Lavallee, Dr. Andre Knecht, Robert Reives, Cameron Sharpe, Kirk <br /> Smith, Bill Carver, Mark Lovick <br /> Motion Result: Passed <br /> VII.0 Request to Appear Before the Board <br /> Mr, Bhavik Patel of Comfort Suites requested to appear before the Board. County <br /> Attorney Whitney Parrish provided background to request. House Bill 753 governs <br /> this request, which relates to the act that authorized Lee County to levy a room <br /> occupancy tax. Mr. Patel's request is regarding his occupancy tax payment in August <br /> of 2022 that was late. He has paid the tax amount and he is now requesting the <br /> Board to waive the 5% County penalties. According to Session Law 1987-538, he is <br /> also charged $10/day and pursuant to Section 1(d), the Board may, for good cause <br /> shown, compromise or forgive the penalties imposed by this subsection, meaning, <br /> it's up to the Board to determine if Mr. Patel has provided good cause shown and <br /> waive the penalties. Mrs. Parrish did contact the Lee County Board of Education, as <br /> these are funds that would be turned over to the school board, and they will leave it <br /> to the Board of Commissioners'discretion as to whether the Board finds there is <br /> good cause shown. The amount owed for the 5% County penalties is $484.20, plus <br /> the $10/day. Mr. Patel explained that his occupancy tax is due on the 15th of each <br /> month. For August, the Comfort Suites'room and occupancy tax was $9,000. He <br /> made a check out to Lee County on the 14th and it was taken out of his account on <br /> the 16th. He said there were sufficient funds in the account, so there should have <br /> been no issue. However, on the 17th, a letter was sent to Mr. Patel in the mail, but <br /> was lost, Comfort Suites received the same letter in October. At this time, Tax <br /> Administrator Michael Brown came and personally delivered the letter. Mr. Patel <br /> checked his records and for some reason, the check was returned and the tax office <br /> and bank did not contact Comfort Suites about this. The transaction said "refer to <br /> maker". As soon as Mr. Patel found out, he went to the tax office to figure this out. It's <br /> now out of the tax office and in the hands of the Board and the City Council. He said <br /> they've always paid their taxes on time and asks that the penalties to be waived. <br /> Commissioner Carver asked about Comfort Suites'bank. Mr. Patel said Truist is <br /> investigating this, but it could take 60-90 days to resolve. Mr. Brown said it's the full <br /> discretion of the Board to do as they wish. Denette Fitzpatrick in Tax Collections said <br /> these were extenuating circumstances. The tax office reached out to the bank and <br /> 7 <br />