On Tuesday, December 15th Kory Cox, Employee Relations Representative with UPEA, spoke with Tom Patterson, Executive Director of the Department of Corrections. In the brief discussion, Patterson indicated that they did not have a plan in place to implement the 3% reductions as of yet. However, he was glad that they had taken some early strides to cut their budget through the stoppage of feeding employees. In addition, he indicated that the department will most likely stop purchasing bottled water, due to the specific mention that the Governor made to water availability. Director Patterson also stated that he was glad that the cuts were temporary, as it is his priority to keep people employed. Depending on the final analysis of the budget plan, furloughs may be needed between January 1st and June 30th, 2010 to make up any differences in the 3% cuts that are needed.
On Wednesday, December 16th Cox also met with the Commissioner of Public Safety, Lance Davenport. In our meeting we discussed several employee issues, but mainly focused our attention to the mandated 3% cut to the budget and the next fiscal year. In our discussion regarding the decrease of 3% to the Public Safety budget, Davenport indicated that he has not yet formulated a concrete plan of how to implement the cuts. The Commissioner indicated that he has been thinking long and hard about the impacts to each of the divisions in the Department of Public Safety. He indicated that various items will be looked at, such as educational assistance and other incentives. Last on his list, simply because of the financial impact to employees, would be furloughs.
Both Department Heads were very gracious in their discussions with UPEA, and seem legitimately concerned for the welfare of employees, morale in the departments, employee benefits such as retirement and health insurance, and being able to provide services to the public.
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About UPEA
Founded in 1959, UPEA is an independent member based association representing state, county, city, higher education and special service district employees. It is not, and never has been, affiliated with a union of any kind. UPEA is very important to the political process in the state of Utah. The strength of the Association lies in its numbers, member involvement and the experience of its staff. The UPEA lobby team works with members to improve public service, ensuring that the public employee is protected, compensated and appreciated. Public employee issues require constant monitoring, revision and advocacy. UPEA works full time with policy makers to protect public employees.
Law Enforcement District
Members of the district consist of sworn officers in state, county, and local governments and employees from the Utah Department of Corrections and Public Safety.
