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Youth Services Center projects $44,000 shortfall amid staffing and classification changes
Summary
Director Brad Alexander told commissioners the Youth Services Center expects to finish the year about $44,000 over budget, with personnel costs driving the overrun but improved staffing and reduced overtime helping service levels; HR recommended splitting the administrator classification into two roles.
Brad Alexander, director of the Lancaster County Youth Services Center, told the Board of Commissioners on June 2 that the facility expects to finish the current fiscal year approximately $44,000 over budget, with personnel expenditures and contract obligations the primary drivers of the shortfall.
Alexander said staffing levels have improved and employee retention has increased, noting the facility had not experienced a resignation by a fully employed staff member since July of the previous year. He said the proposed budget reduces overtime to $55,000 compared with a three‑year overtime average that exceeded $126,000 annually, reflecting investments in staffing that have improved morale and work‑life balance.
Human Resources Director Jon Thober explained that the existing Youth Services Center Administrator classification combines two distinct job duties and recommended splitting it into a Detention Administrator and a Manager of Administrative Services. Thober reviewed compensation options, market data and internal equity considerations. Commissioners expressed support for advancing the classification recommendation through the Personnel Policy Board while reserving final compensation and budget approvals for the Board’s regular budget deliberations.
Alexander summarized other cost pressures outside the department’s control, including rising educational services, IT and software licensing, internet and data charges, workers’ compensation and liability insurance. He said the department reduced planned computer replacements from 24 units to 12 to limit expenditures.
The Board will take further action on classification and budget items during upcoming budget sessions.
