County Board Committee Considers Additional Day Off for Employees

The Legislative and Personnel Committee of the Effingham County Board considered whether to add a paid day off as an incentive to keep or attract employees.

County Board Chairman Josh Douthit suggested adding the day off in light of increased health insurance costs. Douthit said the incentive would be one day, regardless of whether the employee worked an eight-hour or 12-hour shift. He said it would be up to the various department heads to administer the day off. The matter will be re-visited Thursday at the Board's Tax and Finance Committee meeting.

A measure to prohibit camping on public property and public rights-of-way was advanced to the full board. The item will include authority to the state's attorney to punish violators. Also, a vehicle usage policy will be considered so County-owned vehicles will be used first if one is available, and a renewal of an agreement with the State's Attorney Appellate Prosecutor's Service to assist the State's Attorney's office on court cases was moved to the full board for consideration.

Committee members also discussed whether gift cards, a Christmas party, or some combination of the two should be made available to employees of the County.