But maintenance is a problem. Funding in the maintenance area leaves a lot to be desired. Fortunately, the state's relatively new lottery is providing some cash for maintenance. The recurrent problem for Idaho personnel management is lack of planning. Agencies rarely think ahead about positions they'll need to have filled, and if those jobs need scheduled tests, it can take as long as a few months to get a list of candidates.
Training is also spotty, and vulnerable to legislative cost-cutting.
Managers are gaining more flexibility as the state cuts down the number of classifications from 1,700 a few years ago to 1,400 now, with a goal of 1,200 in the foreseeable future. Agencies can distribute raises as they see fit. But that positive element is diminished by the fact that the agencies can spend only what the legislature provides. It doesn't provide very well. In 1998, the state did fund raises of 5 percent.