Meeting with Sheriff Winder

UPEA Employee Relations Representative, Kory Cox, met with Sheriff Winder on Tuesday, July 7th. The Sheriff indicated that due to a 50% reduction in Point of Sale tax revenues, there are going to be some difficult days ahead. In the meeting he indicated that the jail is going to have to cut $1.5 million dollars in 2010, if he cannot find other resources to cut. He stated that currently his options are (a.) a hard closure of 2 units at the Adult Detention Center or (b.) closing Oxbow, which would include laying off 22 new employees. In organization 1430, he stated that there most likely would need to be 3-4 layoffs. And, in Protective Services, there would likely need to be 7-9 RIF's. Due to his stance on keeping employees in their jobs, the Sheriff is trying to find other resources to make up the difference so employees do not lose their jobs.

Winder has taken a look at how much in salary cuts he could make to offset the shortfalls. Salary cuts may be too deep to offest the budget gaps (3.5% salary cut). So, Winder is looking at the possiblity of furloughs to make up the difference in budget shortfalls that the Sheriff's Office will be experiencing. 8-10 days of furlough would be enough to cover the shortfall. In effect, this is the same as a salary cut. The Sheriff is supportive of this idea because it is temporary in nature.

The Sheriff indicated that he was glad that UPEA is working to represent employees at the jail. He feels very strongly that the employees need strong representation.