Title
Support Authorizing and directing the Auditor-Controller to amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 Adopted Budget for the Emergency Communications Department (1340-152001) to increase appropriations in expense category 60105 by $158,000 to fund two employee retirement cashouts for annual leave and sick leave balances with the increase funded by FY2025-2026 surplus being held as unassigned fund balance in the Department Dispatch Fund 1340.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Budget Committee:
Support Authorizing and directing the Auditor-Controller to amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 Adopted Budget for the Emergency Communications Department (1340-152001) to increase appropriations in expense category 60105 by $158,000 to fund two employee retirement cashouts for annual leave and sick leave balances with the increase funded by FY2025-2026 surplus being held as unassigned fund balance in the Department Dispatch Fund 1340.
SUMMARY:
The Monterey County Emergency Communications Department (ECD) is a consolidated Public Safety Answering Point for 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency calls as well as a radio dispatch facility serving 28 law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency medical response agencies throughout Monterey County.
Two employees submitted their notifications of retirement for December 2026. This funding will be used to pay for the cashouts of their sick leave and annual leave banks. One of these employees has been with ECD for almost 42 years and the other for almost 35 years.
DISCUSSION
Upon retirement, employees are paid out their sick leave and annual leave balances up to the contractually defined maximums. The County has switched to providing annual leave only and no longer provides sick leave to these employees, but they both have significant unused sick leave balances from when sick leave was provided.
Between the two of them, it is estimated that a total of 1,900 hours will be paid out at their current rate of pay for a total cost of approximately $158,000. The Department has opened a recruitment and intends to fill both of these critical operational positions as soon as possible and therefore there is no anticipated salary savings to offset the cashouts.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The ECD Executive Board has reviewed and approved this action. County Counsel reviewed and approved this action as to legal form. The County Administrative Office Budget & Analysis Division reviewed this request.
FINANCING:
This action is funded FY2025-26 fiscal surplus which is being held as unassigned fund balance in Fund 1340. This action will not result in any additional cost to the general fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This agreement correlates to the Board’s Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice Strategic Plan Goal by allowing the Emergency Communications Department to pay out benefits due to long time employees upon retirement.
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
_X__ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Link to the Strategic Plan:
<https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=139569>
Prepared by: John Vaught, Finance Manager II, x8883
Approved by: Lee Ann Magoski, Director of Emergency Communications, x8880
Attachments:
Budget Committee Report