Holbrook — The Navajo County Board of Supervisors, at the recommendation of staff and other elected officials, approved a temporary 2.5% reduction in compensation as a cost-saving measure for Fiscal Year 09-10 on June 23, 2009.

Beginning July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010, all County employees—whether salaried or non-salaried—will have their compensation reduced by 2.5%. Excluded from the salary reduction are 24-hour shift employees including Sheriff’s Patrol Deputies and Adult and Juvenile Detention Officers, Medical Examiners, and Chief Deputies of Elected Officials.

The Board’s decision comes as unprecedented pressure from the worsening economy and state budget strains already-weakened County finances. County general fund revenues will likely be down by more than $4 million this coming fiscal year. County Finance staff, department directors and elected officials have reduced projected expenditures by more than $4 million, but revenues are expected to still fall short of expenditures by over $700,000, making the salary reductions necessary in order to ensure County residents continue to enjoy the level of service they demand from the County.

“This is a for FY 09/10 to avoid the more drastic step of layoffs,” said James Menlove, Finance Director. “It will be reviewed on a monthly basis in light of the County’s financial position during the budget cycle for Fiscal Year 09-10.”

The Board also approved an additional 52 hours of personal leave be grated to all employees affected by the reduction in compensation.

“This is a very painful decision, and one that we haven’t taken lightly,” said County Manager Jimmy Jayne. “After many hours of communication with department directors, elected officials and a number of employees, we came to the conclusion that this was the best option available to us at this time.”

Chairman Jerry Brownlow agreed.

“We felt this was necessary, not only to protect our workforce, but more importantly so the residents of Navajo County residents can continue to receive the services they expect and deserve,” he said.

County Supervisors and Department Director Honor Employee

Janelle Virtue, Public Health Nurse Supervisor (L) and Dr. Wade Kartchner, Navajo County Public Health Director (R) honored Public Health Nurse Susie Sandahl (center) for her excellence as a dedicated Navajo County employee on June 23, 2009.

Holbrook — Navajo County Supervisors, Dr. Wade Kartchner, Navajo County Public Health Director and Janelle Virtue, Public Health Nurse Supervisor honored Public Health Nurse Susie Sandahl for her excellence as a dedicated Navajo County employee on June 23, 2009.

Virtue gave Sandahl a gift and a certificate, recognizing her for “being a positive employee with an exceptional work ethic and for being an invaluable member of our nursing team.”

“I truly appreciate all Susie has done for the department and for the citizens,” Virtue said. “She does what needs to be done without being asked.”

Sandahl thanked the Board for the recognition.

“I also appreciate the support of my coworker and supervisors,” she said. “It’s nice to be appreciated.”

Supervisor DeSpain Gives $7,080 to Holbrook Senior Center

Supervisor J.R. DeSpain (L) presented a $7,080 check Carla Gabaldon (R), Director of the Holbrook Senior Center on June 18, 2009.

Holbrook — Navajo County Supervisor J.R. DeSpain presented a $7,080 check to the Holbrook Senior Center on June 18, 2009. Receiving the check was Director Carla Gabaldon.

Gabaldon said the Senior Center had applied for ADOT’s 53-10 grants—which are for transportation of the elderly and disabled—to purchase two new vans with wheelchair lifts and replace their 1993 maxivans.

“We’ll use these County funds to pay for the 11% match for one of the vehicles,” she said.

Gabaldon expressed her gratitude for the County’s generosity.

“We know you’ll use it well,” Supervisor DeSpain said.