RECOMMENDATION(S): (CONT'D)
Reimburseable expenses will include, but not be limited to:
- Costs incurred in one "house hunting" trip subsequent to accepting employment by Contra Costa County Health Services,
- Costs incurred in the packing and transportation of personal possessions, furniture, etc. including airfare, for the individual and any family members that are also being relocated; gas/mileage; hotel accomodations; meals; and other approved costs that may be incurred in the actual relocation to the job site area.
Relocation reimbursement may be paid to the individual after they begin full-time County employment and upon presentation of receipts for claimed expenses. In the event that the individual fails to work for Contra Costa County Health Services Department for a continuous period of six months after their start date, the full amount of any relocation reimbursement paid to the individual will become due and payable back to the County on the individual's separation date.
Approval of the above recommendations, will supercede the Board's prior action of August 12, 2008 (Item C.67), which authorized a maximum amount of $7,500 reimburseable per individual new hire.
FISCAL IMPACT:
It is anticipated that payment for relocation expense will occur on an infrequent basis. The annual estimated cost is $7,500-$20,000. Third party revenue will be claimed as appropriate.
BACKGROUND:
On August 12, 2008, Item C.67, the Board of Supervisors authorized the Health Services Director, with the concurrence of the County Administrator or designee, to reimburse selected merit system physicians and selected classifications exempt from the merit system for expenses incurred in relocation to the San Francisco Bay Area for purposes of working for Contra Costa County Health Services Department. The maximum amount reimburseable per eligible new hire was approved at $7,500. The authorization has supported the department's recruitment efforts of physicians and certain in-demand exempt positions, which at times involves the individual relocating from other parts of California and the nation.
In consideration of the increasing costs of relocating expenses over the past 12 years, the department is requesting to increase the amount reimburseable from $7,500 to $10,000. This board order reflects the same reimbursement conditions as approved on August 12, 2008, with the exception of the maximum reimburseable amount. Approval of the recommendations will continue to support the department's recruitment efforts for these competitive positions.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If this amendment is not approved, Contra Costa County Health Services Department may not be able to recruit qualified exempt employees and physicians.