By BARRY FOSTER
News-Sun correspondent
SEBRING -- Highlands County Administrator June Fisher wants to put a lump in at least some county workers' stockings for Christmas, but it isn't coal. She will ask county commissioners at their Tuesday morning meeting to approve a one-time lump sum "special pay" for eligible workers.
However, it is unclear whether or not the practice will be a one-time occurrence or an annual affair, as Fisher is asking the commission to amend the board's pay plan, Chapter II of the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners Personnel Rules and Regulations. The proposal would cost taxpayers just over $200,000.
If commissioners give the go-ahead, $141,892.33 of the money would be taken from the General Fund Reserve -- or "rainy day" money, as it has been called -- with some $60,660.97 coming from other funds.
The re-distribution of money would see a $400 payment to workers earning $35,000 annually, those earning between $35,000-$50,000 would get a $300 bonus, with a $200 check cut to those earning upwards of $50,000.
In her memo, Fisher reminded commissioner it had been the practice of the board to also fund constitutional officers for any increase to employees, meaning the cash also would be given to workers at the Sheriff's Office, the Supervisor of Elections, the County Clerk of Courts staff and those employed by the Property Appraiser's office.
Responding to a call for citizen input from Commissioner Don Elwell, there seemed to be resistance to Fisher's plan. Several of the respondents pointed out that although county workers had not received a raise in four years, there are many in the private sector, including nurses and doctors, who also had not received raises. Moreover, in the private sector there have been numerous layoffs throughout the county during that time. This year's budget was constructed with no currently held positions lost.
During the struggle to balance the budget, commissioners cut aid to all outside organizations and took several other stringent measures to get to the desired number. The commission also resisted a move to raise the property tax level to meet the budget for the 2012-2013 fiscal year.
In other action at their Tuesday session, commissioners will formally meet new Highlands County Economic Development Commission Executive Director Stephen C. Weeks and will hold a discussion on biennial budgeting for the county.
Sunday, December 16, 2012 - www.newssun.com/121612-bocc