Financial Policies - Personnel

8.01

At no time shall the number of regular full-time employees on the payroll exceed the total number of positions authorized by the Commissioners Court. All personnel actions shall at all times be in strict conformance with applicable Federal, State, and County policies.

8.02

Overtime compensation is authorized by the department and may only be expended for specific tasks as approved in the current budget. Overtime compensation shall be paid based on time and one-half for all so authorized classifications. Before authorizing overtime hours, each department official must have certified with the County Auditor that funds are available for the tasks to be performed. Monthly expenditures shall not exceed the monthly average of the total appropriation by job unless prior approval by the Commissioners Court is granted. The department official can certify that such an expenditure resulted from a natural disaster or threat of loss of life.

8.03

Deletion and downgrades of positions may occur at any time during the fiscal year at the Department Head or Elected Official’s request or if a review of workload statistics indicates that, a reduction in force is practical in a department. Reductions in elected officials’ budgeted positions will only be accomplished with their approval. All funds appropriated for such deleted positions will be returned to the appropriate fund in the Unallocated Reserve Account.

8.04

Additions, position reclassifications, reorganizations, etc., must be prepared and reviewed in January or July of any fiscal year. Exceptions to this policy will only be allowed with Court approval.

8.05

The Court may institute a freeze on hiring, promotions, transfers, and capital equipment purchases during the fiscal year. Such action will not be used arbitrarily and will allow for exceptions in appropriate areas to comply with emergency needs such as natural disasters and loss of major revenue sources.