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• CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK <br /> Citizen Member Ross Deal expressed his gratitude to Katrina Lee for the presentation. He <br /> requested clarification on the specific allocation of the salary increases among current staff and <br /> inquired whether the seventy-five thousand ($75,000) grant would be sufficient to support a new <br /> hire. <br /> Katrina Lee clarified that the grant from HUD funds the Housing Manager position, while the <br /> grant from the EEOC supports the Employment Managers. <br /> Citizen Member Deal inquired about the specific allocation of the salary increases for each HRC <br /> employee. <br /> Katrina Lee provided the following details regarding the salary increases: the Intake Coordinator <br /> will receive a 49.41% increase, totaling $19,980; the new investigator position will see a 100% <br /> increase, with a cap of$63,816; the current investigator will receive a 16.41% increase, adding <br /> $8,994 to their salary; and both the Employment Manager and Housing Manager will receive a <br /> 5.24% increase, each adding $3,592 to their salaries. She noted that the HRC is currently <br /> interviewing for these positions,but candidates have declined offers due to salary concerns,further <br /> emphasizing the need to address pay equity. <br /> Citizen Member Deal inquired whether employees in the department had received raises in recent <br /> years to address cost-of-living increases. <br /> Katrina Lee responded that all employees received a three (3%) percent raise in previous years to <br /> account for rising living expenses. <br /> Citizen Member Angela Smith asked whether the increase in caseload and outreach, which is <br /> driving the need to expand the team, is expected to continue growing each year moving forward. <br /> Katrina Lee stated that she anticipates the workload leveling out. This new budget will establish a <br /> baseline and set yearly expectations moving forward, as there was previously no framework to <br /> work with. <br /> Citizen Member Smith asked whether, given the increased workload, the County is planning to <br /> increase its contribution for 2025. <br /> Katrina Lee indicated that St. Joseph County plans to sustain its contribution amount at the same <br /> level as in 2024 moving forward. <br /> Citizen Member Smith inquired whether contributions are tracked to distinguish between County <br /> funds and City funds. <br /> Katrina Lee noted that while allocations are tracked, she did not have that specific information <br /> currently available. She also clarified that travel arrangements will be organized so that employees <br /> can be certified to travel after six(6) months to a year of service. <br /> Committee Member Canneth Lee inquired about the funding from HUD and the EEOC, noting <br /> that a significant portion of the budget is covered by grants and funds that will be reimbursed. <br /> EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT <br /> 455 County-City Building 227 W.Jefferson Blvd. South Bend,Indiana 46601 p.574.235.9221 f.574.235.9173 www.southbendin.gov <br />