COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Employee and Public Services

DATE:

September 24,2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

October 21, 2003

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Mary Welch, Employee and Public Services Director
Tim Sullivan, Employee Relations Manager

SUBJECT:

Agreement with IEDA

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution authorizing the President of the Board to execute an amendment to the Agreement with IEDA to provide payment for continued labor relations services through December 31, 2004.

BACKGROUND:

IEDA has provided labor relations services for the County since 1973. In February 2000 a Request for Information (RFI) was conducted which enabled the Employee and Public Services Department to analyze the services and costs for other labor relations firms in California. We found IEDA's rates to be lower than any other firm we interviewed. In addition, their services were more comprehensive. For instance, IEDA was the only firm who provided, for no additional fee, consultation services after contracts were negotiated.

On October 3, 2000 the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors authorized the President of the Board to execute an agreement with IEDA to provide labor relations and consultation services for the period January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2003, with automatic extensions to the agreement in one-year increments through 2005.

DISCUSSION:

We are recommending that this agreement be amended to provide for payment for the year January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004. There are several reasons for continuing services with IEDA, including:

1. IEDA's years of experience bargaining in the County give them a full understanding of bargaining history in the County. This provides an invaluable perspective, enabling us to evaluate and respond to Union proposals in a prompt, knowledgeable and comprehensive manner.

2. IEDA represents many Bay Area counties and cities as well as private sector firms. This provides information on settlements in other jurisdictions and allows us to anticipate and prepare responses to Union proposals.

3. IEDA's fee structure is the lowest we have found.

4. IEDA's performance has been highly satisfactory. Negotiations are conducted in a professional manner, resulting in timely agreements that meet the needs of both the County and its employees.

5. The contract form is being updated to include the current Hold Harmless language, and the County's new provisions regarding Non-Discrimination (including Equal Benefits), and Compliance with Laws.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

This item keeps the commitment of responsive, effective and collaborative government through goal number 20: Government decisions are based on careful consideration of future impact, rather than temporary relief or immediate gain.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The cost of services by IEDA for the one-year extension will not exceed $100,000.00, thereby increasing the maximum amount of the contract from $275,000.00 to $375,000.00. This cost includes a 2% rate increase from the current annual cost of $95,381 and coverage for a potential increase in the number or employees factored into the cost basis. This 2% increase will be effective midway through the contract extension in July, 2004. Funds are included in the Employee and Public Services budget as adopted by the Board on September 23, 2003.