09-19-95 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Budget Hearing Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 19, 1995 Page 4 Mr. Douglas indicated that there are basically three revenue sources of monies for his department,namely: City money,EEOC money and HUD money with totals being in 1995 $305, 730.00 and in 1996 projected at$313, 834.00. In response to a question raised by Council Member Puzzello,it was noted that age discrimination is not heard however is forwarded to the EEOC. Mr. Douglas stressed the continuing emphasis of effective dialog and conversation as opposed to court litigation.He also stressed the need for continuing training which will be highlighted in the upcoming annual report.A handout in this area was provided to the Committee(copy attached). Council Member Duda noted that Work Force Development also includes the Human Rights telephone number in their packet of information.Mr.Douglas indicated that the majority of calls outside of the City of South Bend are from Elkhart County and Mishawaka. It was also indicated that there were more inquiries in light of the ADA. He indicated reactivating the Women's Concern Committee, and that the Human Rights Commission has a video library where videos can be loaned out on specific topics.He also indicated that many individuals sit on local boards with time being donated for such committees. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke it was noted that there is not a significant backlog and that the only backlog presently is directly related to those cases to be heard by hearing officers. Currently there are 119 cases with approximately 40 cases per investigator. He believes that this is a very manageable case load. Case processing time for each investigator is between 90 to 120 days. Mr.Douglas noted that he would like to have an educational component increased to be on a monthly bases as opposed to the quarterly bases currently. The Committee Members thanked Mr.Douglas for a fine program and a fine budget presentation. Self Funded Employee Benefits: 1995 = $5, 196, 525.00 1996 =$5, 204, 175.00 (projected) Ronalda Minnis,Benefits Manager and Jeff Rinard then made the presentation. Ms. Minnis noted that consistent with the theme at the negotiating table that their is a commitment to hold insurance premiums in check. She noted that the budget reflects a 10% increase health claims for 1996. Ms. Minnis reviewed the employee benefit division line item budget and performance bases budget information. She noted that there will be an emphasis on a wellness program.Nationally 55%of claims made by employees are related to individual health style choices such as drinking, smoking, obesity, etc. The second emphasis is on cost containment.