Subject:
Title
Ordinance prohibiting wage theft under Chapter 70 of the Pinellas County Code relating to human relations.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Public hearing to adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 70 of the Pinellas County Code relating to human relations, to prohibit wage theft within Pinellas County, and to establish an enforcement process for the same.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality.
4.2 Invest in communities that need the most
Summary:
Chapter 70 of the Pinellas County Code prohibits certain forms of employment discrimination throughout Pinellas County, and vests enforcement authority with the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights. Adoption of the proposed ordinance would prohibit wage theft throughout Pinellas County, also vesting enforcement authority with the Pinellas County Office of Human Rights.
Background Information:
This issue most recently came before the Board of County Commissioners (Board) on October 20, 2015, for authority to advertise a public hearing. During this meeting, staff advised of several changes from the version of the ordinance then before the Board, and the Board provided directives to staff for additional changes. Those changes are highlighted in the attached memorandum.
Fiscal Impact:
The Board has allocated $50,000.00 to the Office of Human Rights’ Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16) budget for administration of the proposed ordinance.
Future costs may be tempered by efforts of the Office of Human Rights to work cooperatively with the City of St. Petersburg, which has funded a position to administer its wage theft ordinance in its FY16 budget.
The proposed ordinance allows Pinellas County to recoup costs associated with the administration of the ordinance in certain circumstances. Some revenue generation is anticipated, therefore, though in an uncertain amount.
Staff Member Responsible:
Paul Valenti, Director, Office of Human Rights
Partners:
N/A