Personnel and Compensation Committee approves pay increases, new positions and college hiring rule changes

Orange CountyPersonnel and Compensation Committee on Feb. 20 approved a series of personnel actions that raised pay for per-diem deputies and health staff, created grant-funded coordinator and clerical positions, and amended college hiring limits for short-term workers.

The committee said the moves are intended to address recruitment and retention problems cited by multiple departments: the sheriffs office to attract per-diem deputies; the health department to refill public health nurse and licensed practical nurse (LPN) positions; social services to staff a state-funded family-centered case management program; and other offices to support operations already included in the 2025 budget.

Committee members approved each request by voice vote. Key actions included: an increase in the starting hourly rate for per-diem deputy sheriffs from $25.51 to $32.46; reclassification and higher starting steps for public health nurses and LPNs; creation of a grants coordinator funded by the CDC Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG); and creation of an account clerk for a state-funded family case management program with an amendment that the position be abolished if the funding ends.

Votes at a glance

- Request 033: Increase starting hourly rate for per-diem deputy sheriffs from $25.51 to $32.46 to remain competitive with surrounding law enforcement agencies. Motion moved by Benton; seconded by Sierra. Outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Request 048 (part A): Authorize upgrading public health nurse positions from grade 14 to grade 16 and hire…