FISCAL NOTE



FUND(S):

0453, 6501,6501,6527

Sources of Revenue:

General Fund,Special Fund,Other Fund 6505,6506

Legislation creates:

Neither Program nor Fund



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


This legislation will increase the civilian longevity structure including enhancements for forensic analysts, director, and evidence technicians. Upon completing 3 years of service, the civilian employee will receive $300 for the first 3 years of service totaling $900. After completing 4 years of service the civilian employee will receive $400 and every year thereafter. The additional enhancement, inclusive of the aforementioned longevity scale, for the forensic analysts, director, and evidence technicians will include $2,000 after one year of service, $3,000 after six years of service and $4,000 after ten years of service. Once the civilian employee has met the change in code, future increased costs will be approximately $235,789 in FY 14 and $195,911 in FY 15.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2012
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2013
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 2,012,473 2,012,473
Personal Services 0 1,619,957 1,619,957
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 392,516 392,516
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 0 0


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


This legislation will impact 383.5 civilian employees by enhancing the civilian longevity and forensic lab employee's salary structure. It will recognize their service and tenure with the State Police and ultimately aide the agency in employee retention and service to the citizens of WV. It will also serve as a deterrent for the State Police becoming the training ground for other law enforcement agencies' support staff.



Memorandum


The West Virginia State Police civilian employees are a critical component of the agency being successful. By comparison, 80% earn less than employees in other West Virginia State agencies in similar classifications. All civilian employees are held to higher standards of accountability as they are exposed to, and have access to, sensitive and confidential law enforcement information. Many areas within the agency serve other law enforcement agencies . All West Virginia law enforcement agencies are dependent upon the services provided by the civilian work force. Examples include, the forensic laboratory, criminal identification bureau, communication center and electronic technicians. Furthermore, civilian personnel at each detachment throughout the state interact with a multitude of agencies. Recruiting individuals for these critical positions at a salary well below average has become increasingly difficult. It is next to impossible to find new employees with the same dedication, knowledge, and experience at current salary levels. It is imperative to retain these employees due to the amount of money expended in training and certification. Salary levels must be increased to recruit and retain employees in order for the agency to maintain effective service for all citizens of West Virginia.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Ron Twohig, Comptroller
    Email Address: rtwohig@wvsp.state.wv.us