City of Alexandria, Virginia
________________
MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 18, 2024
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: SEAN CASEY, SHERIFF
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Request to Release FY 2025 Contingent Reserve Funds of $150,000 Allocated for the Alexandria Sheriff's Office to Continue a Hiring Bonus Program.
BODY
_________________________________________________________________
ISSUE:? Should City Council release $150,000 in FY 2025 contingent reserve funds to continue a hiring bonus program for deputy sheriff candidates who currently possess a Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) jail certification?
RECOMMENDATION:? That City Council approve the release of contingent funds allocated in the FY25 budget process for extending the hiring bonus program for certified deputies working in the jail.
BACKGROUND:? As part of the FY 2025 Add/Delete process, City Council added $150,000 for the City Manager and Sheriff's Office to address the need for an additional deputy position focused outside the jail and/or extending a hiring bonus program for those deputies working in the jail.
Beginning in March 2024, the City Manager approved a pilot program in the Sheriff's Office to offer a $10,000 hiring bonus for up to five candidates who currently possess a DCJS jail certification. This program has been successful, with the Sheriff's Office hiring five new, certified jail deputies in five months.
DISCUSSION:? As of September 3, 2024, the Sheriff's Office had 22 vacant sworn positions. Because the hiring bonuses have proven effective as a recruitment tool (the Sheriff currently has four potential DCJS certified laterals in the hiring process), the Sheriff recommends continuing the hiring bonus program. The Sheriff's Office seeks to continue the offer until it has hired 15 additional DCJS certified deputies, or the conclusion of the fiscal year, whichever comes first.
FISCA...
Click here for full text