Roosevelt employees to receive incentives for certificates

PORTALES — Beginning this year, Roosevelt County employees who have special certifications will receive yearly incentives.

The Roosevelt County Commission approved a resolution at its Monday meeting giving employees incentive pay of up to $1,000 for each certificate they hold.

Human Resource Administrator Debra Olds said the county already pays for the classes employees attend, but they still "spend time away from their families in order to achieve these certifications that are of a great benefit to the county."

The resolution states that employees who hold a certified Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator designation, chief procurement officer certification or a certified floodplain manager designation will receive a $1,000 yearly incentive. Employees with defensive driving certificates and CPR certifications will receive a $250 yearly incentive. Employees with certifications including certified public supervisor and certified county clerk will receive a $300 incentive.

Commissioner Shane Lee wondered if the incentives would tip the scales in the county's budget, but County Manager Amber Hamilton answered in the negative.

"It's a $4,300 difference, approximately. It's already figured in (to the budget)," she said, adding that the incentives are "contingent upon sufficient revenue and financial capacity."

"So in the event that we're not able to continue this program, then that is in there as well to protect the commission. So as long as we have the finances to be able to do it, we'll continue to reward," she said.

Hamilton said contract employees such as the detention administrator and county manager, as well as elected officials, are not eligible for the incentives.

Also at Monday's meeting:

• Commissioners approved a continuation of fire danger emergency in Roosevelt County.

• Commissioners approved the annual adoption of certifications and commitments for the county's community development block grant.