Erie County committee considers HR reorganization, appointments and new bargaining unit for lieutenants

Erie County’s finance and personnel items on March 19 included an appointed-official salary for a new director of human resources, a proposed HR reorganization and classification changes, and approval of a memorandum of labor understanding (MLOU) that recognizes county jail lieutenants as a new bargaining group with PSSU.

Administration representatives said the HR reorganization would reduce the number of managers, reclassify three positions (one downgrade and two upgrades) and produce a modest net savings (approximately $6,693.75). Committee members requested that each reclassification and the resulting hourly rates be listed explicitly in ordinance exhibits and that reclassification paperwork accompany the ordinance. On the civil-rights investigator position, staff said the original posted starting salary (about $39,000) hampered recruitment and recommended increasing the starting salary to fill the position.

Separately, staff presented an MLOU for lieutenants at the county correctional facility, saying the agreement addresses pay disparities that developed over time; the ordinance would implement salary adjustments funded through revised expenditures and budgeted vacancy savings in bargaining lines. Unionized lieutenants and jail representatives were present to answer questions. Committee members asked for documentation and clarity on which positions are in bargaining vs. non‑bargaining lines and for reclassification forms to be attached to the relevant ordinances.

Several personnel items (assistant public defender appointment, reorganization exhibits and salary details) were deferred to allow staff to amend ordinance language and submit required paperwork ahead of the council vote.