For More Information Contact:
Catherine Durland, (845) 486-2103
Following the presentation by Steven J. Rector, Commissioner of Human Resources and Rebecca White, Director of Risk Management, the Budget, Finance and Personnel Committee met and reviewed the programs and services provided by the department. Human Resources is responsible for providing a full range of human resource management services to Dutchess County departments and employees, and administering the New York State Civil Service Law for the County and all municipalities within the County including towns, villages, cities, schools, Dutchess Community College, and all special districts such as libraries and fire districts. There are currently 69 Civil Divisions in Dutchess County totaling over 9,035 employees.
Human Resources oversees personnel and employee management, civil service administration, labor relations, equal employment opportunity and affirmative action initiatives. Risk Management, which falls under the purview of Human Resources, is responsible for the development, administration and analysis of a comprehensive risk management program to protect and insure all County assets. The department must conform to legal mandates including Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), Workers’ Compensation Law and General Municipal Law 207c.
In 2014, $5.0 million was appropriated to Human Resources with anticipated revenue of $1.7 million. The Department of Human Resources is maximizing existing resources towards the performance of core mandated responsibilities. Human Resources is currently updating and modernizing the County Personnel Policy Manual, the Rules for Classified Service, and negotiating labor contracts.
Chairman of the Budget, Finance and Personnel Committee Dale Borchert stated, “Risk Management has begun working with a workers’ compensation third party administrator and insurance broker to seek ways to lower the overall cost of workers’ compensation claims and property and casualty insurance coverage. I look forward to seeing the cost savings to be accrued on future healthcare benefit models.”
Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Rob Rolison stated, “Last year the Legislature amended the Local Law concerning the Dutchess County’s Self Insured Workers' Compensation Plan. I am pleased that thirteen municipalities have enrolled in the Plan and that we can provide these efficiencies and cost saving measures."
