The Lane County commissioners who will cut about 250 jobs (mostly with the sheriff's Department) has also approved a pay increase for 180 directors, managers, supervisors and nonunion professionals working for the county that will give them an opportunity to earn over time up to $20,000 more a year in salary beginning July 1, with salaries well above the current limits.
Commissioner Bill Fleenor, who joined the board in July, said that he would have voted against the increases.
" I know how hard these people work - I am amazed at the level of dedication of Lane County employees," Fleenor said. "But you can only pay them what you can afford. And the taxpayers have spoken... we have to live within our means "
County officials claim that they must pay well enough to attract and keep quality workers however, the job cuts could also prompt other departures.
"Union President Cheryl Dyer said that "the majority of the current AFSCME employees are here for the benefit," Dyer said. "We are getting older and using it. (The cost of living) has gone up in the last three years, and we haven't seen the net income to keep up with that - there's a lot of give there.""
None of the commissioners on the board in December when the new pay scale was approved could be reached for comment.
"cost of living increase???" How many people in the private sector you know get those.
When I saw the article about the raises, I will admit that on one hand, I was shocked however, on the other hand, I was not a bit surprised; in fact, it would have shocked me more if they didn't.
No comments:
Post a Comment