10:00 AM
Conduct public hearing relating to a retention request from the Purchasing Department to increase the budgeted salary amount for the position of Senior Purchasing Coordinator, PCN #1220 and discuss (1) the reason for the salary increase in excess of the budgeted amount to include the public purpose that will be served by approving the request; and (2) the exact amount of the additional salary request, the source of payment and the schedule for implementation.

1. The reason for the requested increase in salary above the budgeted amount is to retain this individual for the Projects Division in the Purchasing Department.  This individual oversees all construction related solicitations.  Construction solicitations can be complex and require a unique skillset.  His division is in full compliance with Texas State Local Government Code on all procedures and has had good results despite the COVID disruptions and a less-than-optimal software platform for most of the year.  This individuals’ long experience and skill set is in high demand in this current job market.  The potential disruption to the County’s construction solicitations is concerning in the event that we must replace him.  Construction solicitations will be delayed while we work to fill this position.  Valuable organizational memory will be lost as well.  The County’s planned Capital Improvement Project (CIP) schedule will require a strong Projects Division Lead in the Purchasing Department to bring those projects and contracts forward successfully and in a timely manner.  The Purchasing Department will be well served to retain this individual.
2. The additional salary amount per year being requested is $4,925.00.  Staff recommends that funds for the adjusted salary amount  come from existing Contract Specialist position PCN #1701, Grade B.26, currently vacant due to an individual retiring from that position.  Staff recommends that $4,925.00 be taken from PCN #1701 and allow that open position to be posted and filled at a lower base salary and/or within policy guidelines.  Approval of this request will be paid out at the regular bi-weekly schedule from the date of Court approval.