HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2024 (04)
Resolution No. 4 (2024)
RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR ADDITIONAL STEP INCREASES FOR
HEALTH CARE CAMPUS NURSING STAFF
COVER MEMO
TO: County Board of Supervisors
FROM: Ken Witt, County Administrator
DATE: January 2, 2024
AGENDA ITEM: Resolution Providing for Additional Step Increases for Health Care
Campus Nursing Staff
______________________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
As part of the implementation of the new wage grid, the HHS Director and Health Care Campus
Administrator are requesting an increase to the wages for 8 of their current staff to a step and wage that
reflects their years of service and value to the Health Care Campus, beyond just moving them to the step
closest to their current wage. Due to the nationwide nursing shortage and the inflation of wages in the
health care industry, they are hoping this will help with retention of existing employees. Please see the
attached spreadsheet for the compensation increase request.
The Health Care Campus is currently spending around $215,000 in pool (contract) staff due to their
staffing shortage. If approved, the compression increase will cost an additional $18,163 in wages.
However, if it can help reduce staff turnover, increase recruitment efforts, and reduce the need for
contract staff, it will more than pay for itself. Considering the increase in revenue at the Nursing Home
through higher rates of reimbursement, combined with a reduction in high cost contracted agency
utilization, they believe they can increase wages for RNs and LPNs while reducing overall expenses.
The increased dependence on contract agencies has also affected the consistency and quality of care
that the residents deserve and require. If the new wages can successfully help retain quality nurses,
they will improve consumer care, reduce reliance on high cost contracted services, and remain
competitive in this area of their workforce.
Resolution No. 4 (2024)
RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR ADDITIONAL STEP INCREASES FOR
HEALTH CARE CAMPUS NURSING STAFF
1 WHEREAS, in January 2016 the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors implemented
2 the McGrath Uniform Compensation Grid for all non-represented employees which has been
3 periodically updated; and
4
5 WHEREAS, adjustments on the wage grid are needed periodically to maintain equity
6 and maintain position competitiveness with the market or alleviate compression issues; and
7
8 WHEREAS, nursing position salaries, specifically in assisted living facilities, have been
9 rising rapidly over the past few years; and
10
11 WHEREAS, the wage grid will provide for higher starting wages, to retain the current
12 staff, and some adjustments are needed in conjunction with the implementation of the new wage
13 grid.
14
15 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Croix County Board of
16 Supervisors does hereby approve additional step increases for eight nursing staff employees at an
17 estimated annual cost of $18,162.56.
Legal – Fiscal – Administrative Approvals:
Legal Note:
Fiscal Impact: The additional wage and benefit cost increase will be covered by service fees
charged to residents of the health care campus. Existing rates are sufficient to cover
these costs, as well as reduced reliance on contract services.
12/19/23Administrative Committee Adopted
12/19/23 Administration Committee RECOMMENDED
RESULT: RECOMMENDED \[UNANIMOUS\] Next: 1/2/2024 5:00 PM
MOVER: Bob Feidler, Supervisor
SECONDER: Scott Counter, Vice-Chair
AYES: Bob Long, Carah Koch, Bob Feidler, Scott Counter
EXCUSED: Paul Berning
Vote Confirmation.
St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Action:
Roll Call - Vote Requirement – Majority of Supervisors Present
RESULT: ADOPTED \[UNANIMOUS\]
MOVER: Carah Koch, Supervisor
SECONDER: Dave Ostness, Supervisor
AYES: Lind, Anderson, Long, Leaf, Koch, Adams, Berning, Ottino, Feidler, Ostness,
Counter, Hansen, Sherley, Tellijohn, Carlson, Barcalow, Swanepoel, Ramberg
EXCUSED: Jerry VanSomeren
This Resolution was Adopted by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on January 2, 2024
Christine Hines, County Clerk