Board reviews staffing strategies and $361,000 payroll-savings plan for 2027

Board presenters described a multi-pronged approach to address absenteeism and vacancies, including a proposed payroll-savings target of $361,000 for 2027 — which staff said represents the ordinance-allowed maximum — and staffing initiatives labeled "pulse and presence," "reliable care champs," "weekend warriors," and a "care merge" to convert part-time roles into fuller FTEs.

"We've gone from none to that $361,000 proposed payroll savings number for '27, which represents the ordinance allowed maximum," a presenter said. Board members discussed that some changes (for example, reliable care incentives) will initially be held pending results of a class and compensation study, and staff emphasized outreach and recruitment to increase the number of people entering the field.