CYS workers make case for better wages
Two employees from Fayette County Children and Youth Services urged the commissioners Friday to invest in the social service agency by affording its workers better pay and benefits. Caseworker Kim Schuessler said that the county is responsible for 12 percent of the salaries and benefits of the employees at CYS. And with increasing health care costs from the county, a 4-percent proposed wage increase for CYS workers is eaten up.
Both she and caseworker Pam Lessman said during the public comment period of the business meeting that the Fayette CYS staff is the lowest paid of all fourth-class counties in the state. It is also the third lowest paid of the fifth-class counties, according to Schuessler.
“Coupled with the atrocities we witness firsthand on a daily basis, there are few, if any perks, to our job,” Schuessler said.
Lessman urged the commissioners to “invest in Fayette County’s future.”
“We need competent caseworkers who can afford to live here and insure that not only the families on their caseloads, but their own families get the best possible care.”
Lessman urged the commissioners to show they are committed to the mission of CYS.
“You can do this by demonstrating your willingness to see that they are fairly compensated, and treating them as valuable enough to work to find an insurance plan that they can afford,” Lessman said.
Schuessler said that the work that has gone into restoring downtown should also be put into the county’s citizens.
“As the numbers of abused and neglected children in this county soar, so diminishes the likelihood that any progress the community makes today will continue to thrive for future generations,” Schuessler said.
As the women read their prepared statements, Commissioner Joe Hardy watched them intently. Chairwoman Angela Zimmerlink and Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites sat writing as they spoke. No action was taken on the request.