HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 130 12/15/2009 2008-2010
REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: December 15, 2009 Re: Comm. No. 643/Res 284-09
PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
78-128 `Ehukai Street
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 11:47 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 284-09, reports as follows:
Resolution 284-09, transmitted by Council Member Dominic Yagong, via Communication
No. 643, dated December 3, 2009, requests the Mayor to immediately implement a zero-hiring
policy for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2009 - 2010.
Council Member Yagong said any savings gained with the furloughs will be lost if we continue
to hire people onto the payroll.
Council Member Enriques said, while he agrees that we must be extremely prudent in hiring, a
zero hiring policy is too absolute and may cause some problems down the line.
Finance Director Nancy Crawford said the sixth "Whereas" in the resolution incorrectly states
that labor costs and benefits represent approximately 70% of the operating budget. The correct
figure is 56%. She also said the Administration has already implemented a virtual freeze on
hiring. Every vacant position must go through a review committee, who makes a
recommendation which goes to the Mayor's office for final approval, with the Department Head
having to justify the request.
Ms. Crawford said there are several reasons for not implementing a blanket freeze on hiring.
There are union considerations about who can be required to perform certain duties. There are
specialized positions, for which she cited an example of several revenue producing positions in
the Real Property Tax Division which will be vacated in the upcoming months due to
retirements. These are appraiser positions, and typically it takes four years to reach the
Appraiser IV level. Police and Fire require civilian support staff, for example, dispatchers.
There are grant funded positions and special revenue funded positions (i.e., liquor inspectors,
sewer positions) which are not funded from the County's General Fund and may be considered
essential.
FC Rept. No. 130
Your Committee on Finance is in accordance with the purpose and intent of Resolution 284-09,
and recommends its adoption.
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AYES NOES A&E Ex Respectfully submitted,
ENRIQUES x
FORD x COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
GREENWELL x
HOFFMANN x
IKEDA x ~y
NAEOLE-BEASON x
ONISHI x DENNIS "FRESH" ONISHI, CHAIR
YAGONG x FC REPORT NO. 130
YOSHIMOTO x ADOPTED:
OFFICE INFORMATION ONLY
Meeting: January 6, 2010 - Council Meeting (30th Session)
Action: Filed Resolution 284-09 and FC-130
FC Report 130 transmitted the above resolution for "approval."
C-643/RESOLUTION 284-09/FC-130
Re: