MANSFIELD — The Richland County Children Services Board has postponed $1,700 bonus payments to its employees, according to a press release Thursday from the child welfare agency.
On April 13, the board voted to “recognize the ongoing dedication and service of its staff during the current, unprecedented coronavirus pandemic,” the statement from agency Executive Director Nikki Harless said.
“Specifically, the board approved a one-time, service recognition supplement of $1,700 per employee to be disbursed with their regular paycheck on May 8,” Harless said.
“At present, no employee has received this service recognition supplement. The RCCS board has asked its staff to postpone disbursement as it reviews community response to this action,” the director said.
On Tuesday, Richland County commissioners Tuesday denied a request to award $1,700 per employee bonuses that one of its labor unions requested after it learned RCCS workers would receive them.
Roberta Skok, district representative for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees local that represents about 160 county employees, made the request in an email Saturday.
RCCS and its 93 employees operate independently of the county’s general fund with a mixture of federal and state funds, as well as its own local tax levies. Board members who oversee the agency’s operations are appointed by county commissioners. Its employees are not part of any union.
Commissioner Tony Vero said Tuesday that RCCS employee bonuses, including medicare, will cost the child welfare agency about $163,000. Similar bonuses to the county’s AFSCME workers would cost the county general fund about $280,000, Vero said.
“We certainly value our employees and we know they work very hard for the residents of Richland County,” Commissioner Marilyn John said. “But we did not feel that it would be appropriate at this time, given the cost of what’s going on in the economy, given that people are out of work, and so many other things, that (employee bonuses) was appropriate to consider at this time.”
Harless said Children Services remains committed to ensuring the safety, well-being and permanency of children at risk of abuse and neglect.
“We are proud to work alongside all other emergency and first responders, health care workers, essential service providers, and others who are making a difference during this difficult time,” Harless said.
“While our operations have been modified to protect staff, clients, and others in the community, we would like the community to know that we are still on the job. Our in-home visits to monitor and ensure safety of children are continuing. We are still responding in person to reports of abuse and neglect. Our efforts on behalf of children and families will not stop,” Harless said.
“The risk of child abuse and neglect are higher than ever at this time. Children are home 24/7 with their parents/caregivers who may be experiencing a high-level stress due to COVID-19 pandemic.
“Children are not attending schools or daycares where they would normally have access to mandated reporters. If you suspect a child is at risk of abuse, please call 419-774-4100. We are available 24/7,” Harless said.
