Steuben County Council adopts updated personnel policies ordinance

The Steuben County Council adopted Ordinance No. 866, amending the county Personnel Policies Handbook, during a special session on May 12, 2015. President Richard Shipe read the ordinance by title before the council voted to adopt the changes unanimously.

The ordinance revises multiple sections of the handbook, including formation and duties of a five‑member Personnel Advisory Committee; detailed guidance on classification of positions as non‑exempt, exempt, or excluded; and expanded rules on overtime compensation and FLSA compensatory time (sections 3.4 and 3.4.1–3.4.2). The text also clarifies counting rules for vacation and holidays when calculating overtime, emergency‑closing compensatory time, and that paid sick leave will be available in minimum half‑day increments.

The ordinance as read states that the amended and new policy statements are adopted and "shall be in full force and effect on and after adoption; and shall supersede existing oral or written personnel policies and procedures." Dan Caruso moved for adoption; Linda Hansen seconded and the motion carried with seven (7) ayes.

The council recorded the vote as 7‑0 in favor; the ordinance language requires annual maintenance and attaches a list of county positions with their FLSA designations by reference. The ordinance was signed and attested in the meeting minutes.