Employee recruitment, succession planning top list of concerns
The Hamilton County Council on Wednesday evening conducted a public hearing on the 2022 budget.
The council held a two-day work session in early August to determine county needs – many of which centered on employee recruitment and succession planning.
Massilamany
“Department heads and elected officials are having a tough time recruiting quality candidates,” said County Council President Amy Massillamany. “Not only has the market become more competitive, but we have an aging staff, many of whom are planning to retire soon. In some cases, we may have to increase the starting salary of these positions just to be able to compete for the best talent.”
The proposed budget also includes three new full-time positions for the Hamilton County Parks & Recreation Department, one new full-time position in the Auditor’s Office, one new full-time position for the Surveyor’s Office, and two full-time and one part-time employee in the Coroner’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office has also requested funding for body cameras.
This, all while the council weighs the potential for a $4.6 million income tax revenue shortfall.
“The State of Indiana distributes our LIT funding annually,” added Massillamany. “While we’re receiving less than we anticipated, our strong financial position will allow us to pull off next year’s budget without increasing taxes or dipping into our Rainy Day Fund.”
The council is also set to approve $2 million in local not-for-profit funding that focuses on human services and quality of life in association with aiding vulnerable populations. Those agencies include Family Promise, Good Samaritan, Hope Family Care, Indiana Prevention of Youth Abuse & Suicide, Meals on Wheels, the O’Connor House, Prevail, PrimeLife Enrichment, Heart and Soul Free Clinic, Trinity Free Clinic, the Hamilton County and Economic Development Corporation, Humane Society for Hamilton County, Aspire, Janus, the Senior Citizens Organization, Cherish, and the Shepherd Center.
The proposed budget totals just under $100 million. Adoption of the budget is scheduled to take place at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 18. Once approved, the budget will be sent to the State of Indiana for approval before going into effect Jan. 1, 2022.