February 14th, 2023
As the county celebrates the lowest unemployment rates in three decades, the initiative is aimed at ensuring the county remains competitive, keeps talented employees and fills vacant positions. Incentive totals $7,000 through October 2024.
Spanish Language Version (PDF)
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and members of the County Legislature today announced a bipartisan agreement that increases the county’s recruitment and retention incentive for current and future county employees. Currently, all full-time employees outside of upper management, as well as all new hires receive $500 quarterly retention bonuses that were scheduled to run through the end of 2023. Under the new agreement, the quarterly bonus will increase to $1,000 and will run through October 2024.
“This initiative will help us continue to recruit and retain the talented employees who provide the essential services we rely on to protect our public health and wellness, ensure public safety, build and maintain our infrastructure and contribute to our quality of life,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “As the nation and county celebrate record low unemployment, this incentive package will help Monroe County more fairly compete with other prospective employers and build our workforce. I encourage job-seekers to explore all Monroe County has to offer.”
“I am elated that we are increasing and extending this vital incentive. As we grapple with numerous unfilled positions in County government, this should serve as a powerful recruitment and/or retention tool,” said Legislature President Sabrina LaMar. “We want our most valuable employees, many of whom are barely making $15 an hour, to know that we understand their value, and we want people to know that working in County government can be a rewarding experience. I am confident that this bonus will serve as a bridge to a future in which all Monroe County employees are paid a living wage, and I look forward to passing this legislation later tonight.”
“The work we do at the County matters, and makes a difference to thousands of people in the community,” said Legislature Minority Leader Yversha Roman. “We need to ensure we’re doing everything we can to provide for our community, and that starts by investing in our workforce to help as many people as we can.”
"As Vice-Chair of our Public Safety Committee, these recruitment and retention plans are essential for our County Offices, specifically the Sheriff's Office, which prompted the initial discussion for this bi-partisan agreement," said Legislator Rick Milne. "The dedicated employees of all County Departments deserve this incentive to keep them performing the vital services they provide each day. For others, we hope this serves as the final push for those considering joining the great Monroe County team. The reality of a world without enough of such public servants is something none of us ever want to picture, and with efforts like this, we will not have to."
The legislature is expected to vote in approval of the measure at tonight’s regular meeting, at 6 p.m. in the County Legislature Chambers, 39 W. Main Street.
Once enacted, the recruitment and retention incentive will become effective April 7, 2023. The maximum individual bonus paid out through this adjusted incentive would be $7,000, in addition to up to $1,500 already received under the prior program.
According to the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) report, Monroe County’s unemployment rate in December 2022 was 2.9%. The county’s unemployment rate has not been this low since 1990.
Monroe County employs roughly 4,600 people in numerous career fields. The county offers competitive pay, generous benefits and opportunities for advancement. For information about job openings, visit monroecounty.gov/hr-careers.
The county has two upcoming open interview events for qualified candidates interested in becoming Child Protective Services caseworkers. Those events will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 15 at the Henrietta Public Library, 625 Calkins Road, 14623, and Thursday, February 23 at Coordinated Care Services, Inc., 1099 Jay Street, Building J, 3rd floor, 14611.
For more information, visit caseworkers.org.
