Commissioners debate faster vacation accrual to boost retention; staff estimate about $108,000 annual cost

At a commissioners court meeting, members discussed a proposal to change the county—mployees nnual vacation schedule so newer hires can reach the 80-hour (10-workday) vacation threshold much earlier than under the current schedule.

The proposal would move the schedule so that employees reach 80 hours in years one through four (10 working days) rather than waiting until a fifth year of service. Staff said the change is intended to improve retention among newer employees.

County staff presented cost estimates for the change and flagged tradeoffs. "So, it will cost the county money," the presenter said, summarizing an analysis that estimated an additional roughly $108,000 in annual pay-related costs and about 548 more days off countywide; with a 3% pay increase included the presenter reported a roughly $111,464 increase. Commissioner 5 said the…