To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Approve EHSD Service Awards Events and Authorize Expenditure
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE the Employment and Human Services Department's Services Awards events for FY 25-26, and AUTHORIZE the expenditure of up to $22,000 annually for recognizing and appreciating department staff for their public service.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Total annual expenditures are not to exceed $22,000. Funding is 100% County General Fund.
BACKGROUND:
On December 18, 2018, the Board approved the Department's Years of Service awards to recognize employees who have achieved 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35+ years of service and increased the annual budget from $1,400 to $2,400 due to the growing number of employees recognized each year.
On December 6, 2022, the Board of Supervisors approved the Department’s Service Awards to include the annual Years of Service event, the addition of Public Service Recognition Week in May, and holiday greeting cards in December of each year. The two latter activities provide recognition to all EHSD employees. The annual budget approved was $15,000.
Employee morale and engagement are critical for retention and excellent customer service. In addition to the three activities included in this request, the Department engages in other recognition activities throughout the year that do not have fiscal impact.
EHSD proposes to fund the annual Years of Service event, Public Service Recognition Week in May, and holiday greeting cards in December for a total annual budget not to exceed $22,000 for staff recognition activities and events. This amount breaks down to $11 per employee x approximately 2,000 FTE.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
EHSD employees are not recognized for their dedicated service to Contra Costa County, potentially negatively impacting overall staff morale, engagement, and retention.
CHILDREN’S IMPACT STATEMENT:
This resolution supports all five of Contra Costa County’s community outcomes of the Children’s Report Card: (1) “Children Ready for and Succeeding in School”; (2) “Children and Youth Healthy and Preparing for Productive Adulthood”; (3) “Families that are Economically Self-Sufficient”; (4) “Families that are Safe, Stable and Nurturing”; and (5) “Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families.”