Re: On 3-2 vote, EMS makes shift change

[Guest guest]

I will not do the math for you but one employ working over time a time and

one half pay rate over a period of time that would require an employ any way

cost more than two employees working to cover half of that period at

straight time. Next item getting paid two time a month in a 4 week month is

the same as getting paid every 2 weeks. 80 hours at $20. 1600 40 hours

times two @ $15 is 1200 lets try it this way two employees draw $1200 to

cover 80 hours working 40 hours each one employ working 80 hours draws $1800

soooooooooooooo

On 3-2 vote, EMS makes shift change

On 3-2 vote, EMS makes shift change

Published Thursday, August 26, 2004

By Skip Nichols

Wise County commissioners finally gave emergency medical service director

Dillard what he wanted for his department, but Dillard can't smile

just yet.

Commissioners voted 3-2, with Judge Dick Chase casting the deciding vote, to

allow the EMS to work a 56-hour shift instead of its current 72-hour duty.

Commissioners s and Burns supported lowering the number of

hours, while Mikel and Terry Ross were opposed.

Dillard had estimated that the change to shift work would cost the county an

additional $137,000 and require hiring six new employees. This is the second

year in a row that Dillard had asked for the change in hours.

After the vote, there was still considerable debate about the cost and

Auditor Ann McCuiston and Treasurer Canova were told by

commissioners to calculate the actual cost to the county.

and Ross said after the meeting that if there was a " significant "

change in the cost, they would request another vote.

Chase's support came after an hour of discussion about the EMS, which has a

proposed budget of $1.69 million that includes funding from the county of

$780,000.

The county judge seemed opposed to the change for the EMS - until he cast

his vote - and then he made it clear that he supported the shift work on one

condition.

" I do not like going from 72 to 56, " Chase said. " There will be one thing.

When they (paramedics and emergency medical technicians) show up, they are

going to have to sign in saying they have enough rest to do the job. "

Critics have complained that EMS employees often work a second job and

sometimes use the time they are working for Wise County to rest. One of

those critics has been Precinct 3 Commissioner Mikel -son, who has

compared the EMS workers with his road crews.

" I don't see parity, " said after the vote. " The (EMS) guys are

not working all the time. My guys are working all the time. "

In order to get the change to 56 hours, Dillard had to agree to give up the

three percent raise commissioners had given all elected and hourly employees

as well as postponing the purchase of a new ambulance.

The additional cost was a sticking point for commissioners, who had already

spent nearly four hours working on the proposed 2005 budget.

Commissioners grudgingly agreed to hire two new deputies and provide two

slots for sergeants in the Sheriff's Department at a cost of almost

$100,000.

Commissioners also agreed to hire an additional road hand for the public

works department, gave Chase a part-time receptionist, and increased the

mileage allowance for asset control manager Ruth Cash. In addition,

they tentatively agreed to allow Fire Marshal Cunningham to employ two

volunteer reserve deputy fire marshals and changed a part-time employee in

the auditor's office to full-time.

The county leaders denied District Attorney Jana ' request for another

prosecutor and turned down Tax Collector Pat Younger's request for another

full-time employee. They rejected a request from county Court-at-Law Judge

Melton Cude for pay raises for his two coordinators and the court reporter.

By the time the day was nearing an end, the general fund portion of the

budget still remained in the red - to the tune of approximately $15,000.

Commissioners have not yet discussed their precinct budgets.

One potential problem remained on the general fund budget - the issue of 27

pay periods during the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. County

financial leaders have said it could hit the taxpayers for an additional

$320,000. According to Canova, the problem occurs every 12 years.

Chase had suggested the county pay twice a month instead of every two weeks.

Canova said the Texas Association of Counties " strongly advises " against any

changes. She also noted that the last time the county changed its pay

routine for employees in the early 1990s, there was an uproar from county

workers.

" Everybody squalled like a pig stuck under a gate, " Canova said.

That brought a huge, collective laugh from the county's leaders, but they

still didn't make a decision on how to solve the potential financial

problem.

[Guest guest]

I will not do the math for you but one employ working over time a time and

one half pay rate over a period of time that would require an employ any way

cost more than two employees working to cover half of that period at

straight time. Next item getting paid two time a month in a 4 week month is

the same as getting paid every 2 weeks. 80 hours at $20. 1600 40 hours

times two @ $15 is 1200 lets try it this way two employees draw $1200 to

cover 80 hours working 40 hours each one employ working 80 hours draws $1800

soooooooooooooo

On 3-2 vote, EMS makes shift change

On 3-2 vote, EMS makes shift change

Published Thursday, August 26, 2004

By Skip Nichols

Wise County commissioners finally gave emergency medical service director

Dillard what he wanted for his department, but Dillard can't smile

just yet.

Commissioners voted 3-2, with Judge Dick Chase casting the deciding vote, to

allow the EMS to work a 56-hour shift instead of its current 72-hour duty.

Commissioners s and Burns supported lowering the number of

hours, while Mikel and Terry Ross were opposed.

Dillard had estimated that the change to shift work would cost the county an

additional $137,000 and require hiring six new employees. This is the second

year in a row that Dillard had asked for the change in hours.

After the vote, there was still considerable debate about the cost and

Auditor Ann McCuiston and Treasurer Canova were told by

commissioners to calculate the actual cost to the county.

and Ross said after the meeting that if there was a " significant "

change in the cost, they would request another vote.

Chase's support came after an hour of discussion about the EMS, which has a

proposed budget of $1.69 million that includes funding from the county of

$780,000.

The county judge seemed opposed to the change for the EMS - until he cast

his vote - and then he made it clear that he supported the shift work on one

condition.

" I do not like going from 72 to 56, " Chase said. " There will be one thing.

When they (paramedics and emergency medical technicians) show up, they are

going to have to sign in saying they have enough rest to do the job. "

Critics have complained that EMS employees often work a second job and

sometimes use the time they are working for Wise County to rest. One of

those critics has been Precinct 3 Commissioner Mikel -son, who has

compared the EMS workers with his road crews.

" I don't see parity, " said after the vote. " The (EMS) guys are

not working all the time. My guys are working all the time. "

In order to get the change to 56 hours, Dillard had to agree to give up the

three percent raise commissioners had given all elected and hourly employees

as well as postponing the purchase of a new ambulance.

The additional cost was a sticking point for commissioners, who had already

spent nearly four hours working on the proposed 2005 budget.

Commissioners grudgingly agreed to hire two new deputies and provide two

slots for sergeants in the Sheriff's Department at a cost of almost

$100,000.

Commissioners also agreed to hire an additional road hand for the public

works department, gave Chase a part-time receptionist, and increased the

mileage allowance for asset control manager Ruth Cash. In addition,

they tentatively agreed to allow Fire Marshal Cunningham to employ two

volunteer reserve deputy fire marshals and changed a part-time employee in

the auditor's office to full-time.

The county leaders denied District Attorney Jana ' request for another

prosecutor and turned down Tax Collector Pat Younger's request for another

full-time employee. They rejected a request from county Court-at-Law Judge

Melton Cude for pay raises for his two coordinators and the court reporter.

By the time the day was nearing an end, the general fund portion of the

budget still remained in the red - to the tune of approximately $15,000.

Commissioners have not yet discussed their precinct budgets.

One potential problem remained on the general fund budget - the issue of 27

pay periods during the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. County

financial leaders have said it could hit the taxpayers for an additional

$320,000. According to Canova, the problem occurs every 12 years.

Chase had suggested the county pay twice a month instead of every two weeks.

Canova said the Texas Association of Counties " strongly advises " against any

changes. She also noted that the last time the county changed its pay

routine for employees in the early 1990s, there was an uproar from county

workers.

" Everybody squalled like a pig stuck under a gate, " Canova said.

That brought a huge, collective laugh from the county's leaders, but they

still didn't make a decision on how to solve the potential financial

problem.

[Guest guest]

I will not do the math for you but one employ working over time a time and

one half pay rate over a period of time that would require an employ any way

cost more than two employees working to cover half of that period at

straight time. Next item getting paid two time a month in a 4 week month is

the same as getting paid every 2 weeks. 80 hours at $20. 1600 40 hours

times two @ $15 is 1200 lets try it this way two employees draw $1200 to

cover 80 hours working 40 hours each one employ working 80 hours draws $1800

soooooooooooooo

On 3-2 vote, EMS makes shift change

On 3-2 vote, EMS makes shift change

Published Thursday, August 26, 2004

By Skip Nichols

Wise County commissioners finally gave emergency medical service director

Dillard what he wanted for his department, but Dillard can't smile

just yet.

Commissioners voted 3-2, with Judge Dick Chase casting the deciding vote, to

allow the EMS to work a 56-hour shift instead of its current 72-hour duty.

Commissioners s and Burns supported lowering the number of

hours, while Mikel and Terry Ross were opposed.

Dillard had estimated that the change to shift work would cost the county an

additional $137,000 and require hiring six new employees. This is the second

year in a row that Dillard had asked for the change in hours.

After the vote, there was still considerable debate about the cost and

Auditor Ann McCuiston and Treasurer Canova were told by

commissioners to calculate the actual cost to the county.

and Ross said after the meeting that if there was a " significant "

change in the cost, they would request another vote.

Chase's support came after an hour of discussion about the EMS, which has a

proposed budget of $1.69 million that includes funding from the county of

$780,000.

The county judge seemed opposed to the change for the EMS - until he cast

his vote - and then he made it clear that he supported the shift work on one

condition.

" I do not like going from 72 to 56, " Chase said. " There will be one thing.

When they (paramedics and emergency medical technicians) show up, they are

going to have to sign in saying they have enough rest to do the job. "

Critics have complained that EMS employees often work a second job and

sometimes use the time they are working for Wise County to rest. One of

those critics has been Precinct 3 Commissioner Mikel -son, who has

compared the EMS workers with his road crews.

" I don't see parity, " said after the vote. " The (EMS) guys are

not working all the time. My guys are working all the time. "

In order to get the change to 56 hours, Dillard had to agree to give up the

three percent raise commissioners had given all elected and hourly employees

as well as postponing the purchase of a new ambulance.

The additional cost was a sticking point for commissioners, who had already

spent nearly four hours working on the proposed 2005 budget.

Commissioners grudgingly agreed to hire two new deputies and provide two

slots for sergeants in the Sheriff's Department at a cost of almost

$100,000.

Commissioners also agreed to hire an additional road hand for the public

works department, gave Chase a part-time receptionist, and increased the

mileage allowance for asset control manager Ruth Cash. In addition,

they tentatively agreed to allow Fire Marshal Cunningham to employ two

volunteer reserve deputy fire marshals and changed a part-time employee in

the auditor's office to full-time.

The county leaders denied District Attorney Jana ' request for another

prosecutor and turned down Tax Collector Pat Younger's request for another

full-time employee. They rejected a request from county Court-at-Law Judge

Melton Cude for pay raises for his two coordinators and the court reporter.

By the time the day was nearing an end, the general fund portion of the

budget still remained in the red - to the tune of approximately $15,000.

Commissioners have not yet discussed their precinct budgets.

One potential problem remained on the general fund budget - the issue of 27

pay periods during the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. County

financial leaders have said it could hit the taxpayers for an additional

$320,000. According to Canova, the problem occurs every 12 years.

Chase had suggested the county pay twice a month instead of every two weeks.

Canova said the Texas Association of Counties " strongly advises " against any

changes. She also noted that the last time the county changed its pay

routine for employees in the early 1990s, there was an uproar from county

workers.

" Everybody squalled like a pig stuck under a gate, " Canova said.

That brought a huge, collective laugh from the county's leaders, but they

still didn't make a decision on how to solve the potential financial

problem.

[Guest guest]

A month ago we had the issue listed below that I clipped out of a previous

posting. It speaks about 27 pay periods in a fiscal year. Speaking only of

employees that are paid every 2 weeks, 26 pay periods a year, it is impossible.

You may have 27 periods in a calendar year, but not a fiscal year. I mean that

the budget starts on pay period 1 and will end in with pay period 26 which could

be up to 2 weeks

into the next year. It is still put on the books as the current year budget and

the current year budget closes after the 26th pay period.

The only reason I mention this is to show how crazy the issues can be during

budget planning and when it comes to trying to get something accomplished for

ems. Note excerpt below:

One potential problem remained on the general fund budget – the issue of 27 pay

periods

during the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. County financial leaders have

said it

could hit the taxpayers for an additional $320,000. According to Canova, the

problem occurs

every 12 years.

We went could not make it work out to 27 and think that someone is crying wolf

on this issue. It is my understanding that this is a big issue on the county

judges list server.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this issue? We had hell disproving this urban

myth.

Henry

[Guest guest]

A month ago we had the issue listed below that I clipped out of a previous

posting. It speaks about 27 pay periods in a fiscal year. Speaking only of

employees that are paid every 2 weeks, 26 pay periods a year, it is impossible.

You may have 27 periods in a calendar year, but not a fiscal year. I mean that

the budget starts on pay period 1 and will end in with pay period 26 which could

be up to 2 weeks

into the next year. It is still put on the books as the current year budget and

the current year budget closes after the 26th pay period.

The only reason I mention this is to show how crazy the issues can be during

budget planning and when it comes to trying to get something accomplished for

ems. Note excerpt below:

One potential problem remained on the general fund budget – the issue of 27 pay

periods

during the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. County financial leaders have

said it

could hit the taxpayers for an additional $320,000. According to Canova, the

problem occurs

every 12 years.

We went could not make it work out to 27 and think that someone is crying wolf

on this issue. It is my understanding that this is a big issue on the county

judges list server.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this issue? We had hell disproving this urban

myth.

Henry

[Guest guest]

A month ago we had the issue listed below that I clipped out of a previous

posting. It speaks about 27 pay periods in a fiscal year. Speaking only of

employees that are paid every 2 weeks, 26 pay periods a year, it is impossible.

You may have 27 periods in a calendar year, but not a fiscal year. I mean that

the budget starts on pay period 1 and will end in with pay period 26 which could

be up to 2 weeks

into the next year. It is still put on the books as the current year budget and

the current year budget closes after the 26th pay period.

The only reason I mention this is to show how crazy the issues can be during

budget planning and when it comes to trying to get something accomplished for

ems. Note excerpt below:

One potential problem remained on the general fund budget – the issue of 27 pay

periods

during the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. County financial leaders have

said it

could hit the taxpayers for an additional $320,000. According to Canova, the

problem occurs

every 12 years.

We went could not make it work out to 27 and think that someone is crying wolf

on this issue. It is my understanding that this is a big issue on the county

judges list server.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this issue? We had hell disproving this urban

myth.

Henry

[Guest guest]

Oh for the love of........

You know what....just for once, I'd like to see somebody that Pct 3

commissioner loves dearly being teated by a paramedic who's

been up for 20 hours. Are these people for real? Comparing us to road

crews? The fact that these people are in charge of anything is

astounding......simply astounding.

It's all about money...just like always. Forget safety, forget retaining

employees, just worry about the money. If it's slow at Wise Co. so what?

Are they supposed to go out and do road work? I don't get paid to sleep

or watch TV. I get paid for when gramma strokes out or aunt Maybell

falls down the stairs. That's the most idiotic thing I believe I've ever

read. Well....no, but its up there in the top 4 or 5. Sheesh.......

> On 3-2 vote, EMS makes shift change

>

>

>

> Published Thursday, August 26, 2004

>

> By Skip Nichols

>

> Wise County commissioners finally gave emergency medical service

director C> harles Dillard what he wanted for his department, but

Dillard can’t smile> just yet.

>

> Commissioners voted 3-2, with Judge Dick Chase casting the deciding

vote, t> o allow the EMS to work a 56-hour shift instead of its current

72-hour duty> . Commissioners s and Burns supported

lowering the number> of hours, while Mikel and Terry Ross

were opposed.

>

> Dillard had estimated that the change to shift work would cost the

county a> n additional $137,000 and require hiring six new employees.

This is the sec> ond year in a row that Dillard had asked for the change

in hours.

>

> After the vote, there was still considerable debate about the cost and

Audi> tor Ann McCuiston and Treasurer Canova were told by

commissioners> to calculate the actual cost to the county.

>

> and Ross said after the meeting that if there was

a “significa> nt” change in the cost, they would request another vote.

>

> Chase’s support came after an hour of discussion about the EMS, which

has> a proposed budget of $1.69 million that includes funding from the

county o> f $780,000.

>

> The county judge seemed opposed to the change for the EMS – until he

cast> his vote – and then he made it clear that he supported the shift

work on> one condition.

>

> “I do not like going from 72 to 56,” Chase said. “There will be one t>

hing. When they (paramedics and emergency medical technicians) show up,

the> y are going to have to sign in saying they have enough rest to do

the job.> ”

>

> Critics have complained that EMS employees often work a second job and

some> times use the time they are working for Wise County to rest. One

of those c> ritics has been Precinct 3 Commissioner Mikel -son,

who has compared> the EMS workers with his road crews.

>

> “I don’t see parity,” said after the vote. “The (EMS) gu>

ys are not working all the time. My guys are working all the time.”

>

> In order to get the change to 56 hours, Dillard had to agree to give

up the> three percent raise commissioners had given all elected and

hourly employe> es as well as postponing the purchase of a new ambulance.

>

> The additional cost was a sticking point for commissioners, who had

already> spent nearly four hours working on the proposed 2005 budget.

>

> Commissioners grudgingly agreed to hire two new deputies and provide

two sl> ots for sergeants in the Sheriff’s Department at a cost of

almost $100,00> 0.

>

> Commissioners also agreed to hire an additional road hand for the

public wo> rks department, gave Chase a part-time receptionist, and

increased the mile> age allowance for asset control manager Ruth

Cash. In addition, they t> entatively agreed to allow Fire Marshal

Cunningham to employ two volun> teer reserve deputy fire marshals and

changed a part-time employee in the a> uditor’s office to full-time.

>

> The county leaders denied District Attorney Jana ’ request for

anoth> er prosecutor and turned down Tax Collector Pat Younger’s request

for ano> ther full-time employee. They rejected a request from county

Court-at-Law J> udge Melton Cude for pay raises for his two coordinators

and the court repo> rter.

>

> By the time the day was nearing an end, the general fund portion of

the bud> get still remained in the red – to the tune of approximately

$15,000. Com> missioners have not yet discussed their precinct budgets.

>

> One potential problem remained on the general fund budget – the issue

of > 27 pay periods during the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.

County fin> ancial leaders have said it could hit the taxpayers for an

additional $320,> 000. According to Canova, the problem occurs every 12

years.

>

> Chase had suggested the county pay twice a month instead of every two

weeks> .

>

> Canova said the Texas Association of Counties “strongly advises”

agains> t any changes. She also noted that the last time the county

changed its pay> routine for employees in the early 1990s, there was an

uproar from county > workers.

>

> “Everybody squalled like a pig stuck under a gate,” Canova said.

>

> That brought a huge, collective laugh from the county’s leaders, but

they> still didn’t make a decision on how to solve the potential

financial pro> blem.

>

>

>

>