HR Director clarifies holiday pay and overtime policies for staff at meeting

The Geary County Budget Session held on August 4, 2025, focused on important discussions regarding employee compensation, particularly concerning overtime and holiday pay policies.

During the meeting, officials addressed the recent changes in the marketing department's staffing structure, which led to a decrease in overtime costs. The previous marketing position had transitioned to an exempt role, which meant that the individual was no longer eligible for overtime pay. The current marketing staff member, however, does not qualify for this exemption, indicating that some overtime may be necessary moving forward.

The conversation highlighted the need for careful scheduling to manage overtime effectively, especially around holidays. Officials emphasized the importance of adhering to established policies regarding holiday pay. Employees must work a full shift before and after a holiday to qualify for full holiday pay. If they work on a holiday, they will receive holiday pay for the hours worked, but this does not count towards overtime unless they exceed their regular hours.

The discussion underscored the necessity for department directors to collaborate with Human Resources to ensure compliance with these policies. This proactive approach aims to minimize overtime costs while ensuring fair compensation for employees during holiday periods.

Overall, the meeting reinforced the county's commitment to managing its budget effectively while maintaining clear communication about employee compensation policies.