Employees encouraged to take time off without pay

By MaryHelen Swanson
In their continuing efforts to reduce the 2003 budget to address anticipated state aid shortfalls, the Chisago County Board of Commissioners, last week, agreed to encourage employees to take days off in the remaining months of the year without pay.
According to Human Resource Director Renee Kirchner, the county could see a savings of $206,000 if every employee took five days off without pay.
The commissioners understand, however, that not all employees will be able to participate due to the essential nature of their positions.
The commissioners agreed that to start out they would ask for volunteers and allow the time off only if it doesnít cause more work or overtime for other employees in a department and with the approval of department supervisors.
Kirchner suggested the county go with the volunteer time off from April to August. If there isnít enough savings during that time, she said, that would still leave five months at the end of the year if the county needs to make it mandatory.
Co-director of Human Services Bette Frederichs said she had asked her staff earlier last week if they would give up the time and she got seven responses right away.
The commissioners agreed the system would probably not work for essential services employees such as deputies.
In other budget discussions, 5th Dist. Commissioner Mike Robinson suggested that technology upgrades be held off until 2004 when the county has levying power for the revenue for computer purchases, etc.
He believes it could save the county over $230,000 this year. Jon Eckel, director of the countyís MIC or technology department, has 75 replacement PC systems in this yearís budget.
He noted that old PCs will cause problems as they lock up and in some cases wonít run the new software that some departments require.
His budget also calls for an upgrade of the phone system in the sheriffís office as the one in use is over 10 years old and no longer manufactured.
The E-911 part of the system is also over 10 years old and no longer made, he noted.
Other technology improvements needed in the county include upgrade of the E-911 system, replacement of voice mail on the telephone system, replacement of nine network servers, plus extended hours of service for e-mail and internet due to flexible hours being worked by employees.
The county is expected to be short over $1 million this year due to unallotment and a significant reduction in anticipated state aid as the state works its way out of financial troubles.

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