File #: 20-217    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Informational Report Status: Passed
File created: 2/11/2020 In control: Public Defender
On agenda: 2/25/2020 Final action: 2/25/2020
Title: Extension of Extra-Help Hours - Public Defender budget unit 1100-219 (4/5 Vote Required)
Attachments: 1. Staff Report

To: Board of Supervisors

From: Public Defender

Agenda Section: Consent

SUBJECT:
title
Extension of Extra-Help Hours - Public Defender budget unit 1100-219 (4/5 Vote Required)
end

RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Extend Jennie Stepanian, Deputy Public Defender extra-help employment hours to a maximum of 1820 hours for fiscal year (FY) 2019-20 pursuant to Section 7 of the Humboldt County Salary Resolution. (4/5 vote required)

Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund 1100-219.

DISCUSSION:
Jennie Stepanian has been working as an extra-help attorney during the current fiscal year due to attorney staff shortages resulting from employee transitions, vacancies, and an extended leave of absence. As of January 30, 2020, Jennie was near the annual 960-hour extra-help limit. The Public Defender is requesting an extension of extra-help hours for the remainder of the fiscal year in order to cover daily courtroom assignments and to continue providing effective representation for Public Defender clients.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are adequate funds allocated in the Salary and Benefits category of the Public Defender budget (1100-219) to absorb the entire projected costs associated with the proposed increase in extra-help hours. The projected maximum salary and benefit costs is $46,749. There will be no additional impact to the general fund.

All extra help employees working beyond the 960 hours are subject to paying into the California Public Employee Retirement System (PERS). The additional cost for PERS is included in the above-refenced projected salary and benefit costs.

Effective January 2015, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) required large employers with fifty (50) or more full-time employees to offer health coverage to all full-time employees. A full-time employee is defined as a person who is employed for an average of thirty or more hours per week. The Public Defender is aware of the 2015 federal provisions that im...

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