tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post4429704502322631611..comments2024-03-26T17:08:01.049-07:00Comments on Redmond Neighborhood Blog: UPDATED: 3/23/24: 2008-2009 Salary and benefit costs continue to increase at City Hall.Bob Yoderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17538345340147926309noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-70954587686315883552011-01-06T09:30:22.332-08:002011-01-06T09:30:22.332-08:00Good points, Richard - especially about "it&#...Good points, Richard - especially about "it's pointless to compare the private with public sectors" because they are so different. But, wouldn't you know - the COR administration is one of the few cities in the country that include private sector salaries in their COLA decisions. They call it "non-uniform"; and include local corporations and businesses in their analysis. Most all cities by far use the CIP-WA index rather than customize their adjustment measures. Historically, the non-uniform COLA is higher than the CIP-WA. Happy New Year 2011Bob Yoderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17538345340147926309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-88526351274059124192011-01-05T15:52:48.982-08:002011-01-05T15:52:48.982-08:00HI everyone, I have worked in the public sector (f...HI everyone, I have worked in the public sector (federal and state), and the private sector (corporate FTE, and contractor). Comparing the two worlds is fairly pointless. These days you can read plenty of economic reports that show the comparisons for compensation. While public sector jobs can have decent benefits, they mostly have lower pay rates for comparable skills. When I first graduated from college, I worked as a state school teacher. My pay rate was very low. I took the same college math classes as my engineering buddies. When they graduated, they were easily paid two times my pay rate.<br /><br />But the public sector does not work for profits, and does not pay out huge bonuses, nor stock options. <br /><br />As a community college teacher I was paid about half of my private sector pay rate. Why did I take the job? I wanted to give back to my community, and help students launch a high tech career. The pay rate was enough to pay my bills, but there was no "extra." I was able to make my budget work, since my mortgage was paid off. How did my mortgage get paid off? My good fortune came from stock options, earned at a private sector IPO. <br /><br />I don't really know anything about working for the city (since I have never done so). But I am grateful for all city workers. They keep our city running, fix the roads, and plan for the future. These are jobs I am not trained to do (and I wouldn't want to do it). <br /><br />However, as a State school teacher I can say that everyone I worked beside was professional and committed to high standards. It always saddens me to read that State school teachers are underpaid. Some say teaching is a noble profession, but it is not well paid. After all, the State of Washington now requires a Masters Degree for some teaching jobs.ricardohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06310694659965996493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-52797521377279273972011-01-05T12:15:16.653-08:002011-01-05T12:15:16.653-08:00Mayor Marchione's 2011-2012 Budget was accepte...Mayor Marchione's 2011-2012 Budget was accepted by Council, 6-2 with two minor changes. Mayor Marchione laid off 50 staff (including 17 Microsoft contractors that were leaving anyway and 9 unfilled vacancies. Head Count in 1/2011 is 624. Staff got across-the-board 1% salary increases. The 1/% property tax and a 2% business head tax was approved. Utility rates increased 10% in the biennium. Council's .5 FTE pay increase $150/month. The Mayor's salary will be reviewed in 2011. The transfer of General funds to the CIP increased 9%. CIP is ~$21M. <br /><br />The Mayor annouced a balanced budget - one of the first in years Efficiencies/Innovation and a slowing economy contributed to over $7M - $15 in savings. Revenue dropped $7.2M from the 2008-2009 biennium. The total 2011-2012 is over $500,000,000. 11/4/2011Bob Yoderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17538345340147926309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-54418446061892652302009-02-13T13:59:00.000-08:002009-02-13T13:59:00.000-08:00Your email message has been received and will be d...Your email message has been received and will be distributed to the full council.<BR/><BR/>Regards,<BR/><BR/>Kimberly Green<BR/>Executive Assistant<BR/>Mayor and Council Offices<BR/>City of Santa Clara<BR/>1500 Warburton Avenue<BR/>Santa Clara, CA 95050<BR/>408-615-2250<BR/>mayorandcouncil@santaclaraca.govAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-84512297717781691422009-02-11T11:36:00.000-08:002009-02-11T11:36:00.000-08:00Thank you for your e-mail. I will pass it on to t...Thank you for your e-mail. I will pass it on to the City Manager.<BR/> <BR/>Have a nice day!<BR/>Kari <BR/><BR/>Kari Revheim <BR/>Secretary to the City Manager <BR/>City of Redding <BR/>777 Cypress Avenue <BR/>Redding, CA 96001 <BR/>(530) 225-4061 <BR/>(530) 225-4325 (fax) <BR/>krevheim@ci.redding.ca.usAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-33529766027601910712009-02-11T11:33:00.000-08:002009-02-11T11:33:00.000-08:00From Mayor Sandi Bloem - From: BLOEM, MAYOR SANDI ...From Mayor Sandi Bloem - <BR/><BR/>From: BLOEM, MAYOR SANDI [mailto:MAYOR@cdaid.org] <BR/>Sent: Friday, January 16, 2009 4:43 PM<BR/>To: 'Lexie Yoder'<BR/>Subject: RE: neighborhood blog - citizen report<BR/><BR/>Dear Bob,<BR/>Thanks for sharing this information with me.<BR/>Best regards,<BR/>Sandi Bloem<BR/>MayorAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-4214432750899931102009-01-24T09:03:00.000-08:002009-01-24T09:03:00.000-08:00EMAIL TO: Assist. to the Mayor and Redmond City Co...EMAIL TO: Assist. to the Mayor and Redmond City Council, 1/17/09<BR/><BR/>Thank you, Ms Christenson - <BR/><BR/>Thank you for acknowledgng my blog and attaching our Human Resources Director salary adjustment method. <BR/><BR/>Your 9-year old pricing method should be openly reviewed by the public. Salary and benefits are over 70% of our Operating Budget. That's reason enough. Did the "Budget by Priority" process review your salary pricing procedures? It should. Just one example, Microsoft isn't exemplary of "the private sector" and the Redmond public doesn't know how you weigh this in your compensation package analysis.<BR/><BR/>Who knows what the >$500,000 Human resource FTE/Program all about? Councilman Vache didn't like it and he's in the business. I bet not one of the six Citizens on a Results Committee could describe the program or the compensation package process . Are Budget Committee summaries of meetings on record? <BR/><BR/>Perhaps, the Mayor could present this topic in a regional or national Mayoral conference? It appears to have wide interest.<BR/><BR/>Thank you, <BR/>Bob Yoder<BR/>(minor edits for clarity)Bob Yoderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17538345340147926309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-16004414305228345642009-01-23T07:37:00.000-08:002009-01-23T07:37:00.000-08:00In response to my email to Mr. Snow about my disbe...In response to my email to Mr. Snow about my disbelief Council salaries can go up to $100,000<BR/><BR/>From: Apple, Bob [mailto:BApple@SpokaneCity.org] <BR/>Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2009 5:49 PM<BR/><BR/>To: Bob Yoder<BR/>Subject: RE: neighborhood blog - citizen report on rising city salary costs<BR/><BR/>Bob Yoder:<BR/><BR/>Yes it is true and can be verified on the Seattle City web site. Actually it is over $100,000 and I believe even Tacoma pays pretty well. It is really difficult in larger cities that, have media outlets because for unrelated reasons a members business will be slammed or an employers business and no one is, going to put up with that or cost and for long.<BR/><BR/>Bob Apple<BR/>Councilmember, City of SpokaneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-46573766638631755402009-01-22T15:08:00.000-08:002009-01-22T15:08:00.000-08:00per email - Mr. Yoder:The reply is yours to do wit...per email - <BR/><BR/>Mr. Yoder:<BR/><BR/>The reply is yours to do with as you like. I do not know what your Council makes for a wage but mostly we have alternative income or jobs and this one though expressed as part-time council is in fact full-time as representatives of the second largest City in our state. I do know that, the Seattle City Council members make over $100 Thousand annually and have plenty of staff and in my opinion we accomplish a lot more, on a comparative shoe string. Yes, we all have one.<BR/><BR/>Bob AppleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-27448801475276592102009-01-20T18:08:00.000-08:002009-01-20T18:08:00.000-08:00Bob Yoder:After reading, a local council members r...Bob Yoder:<BR/><BR/>After reading, a local council members remarks and your response – that was all that was available, I can only tell you what I am aware of. Almost all of our 2000+ employees are members of, labor organizations and that includes management (M&P Union) representation with the exception of, seven people outside of elected officials. Our various labor contracts are, negotiated in good faith and follow NLRB procedures to completion though I would have to say it is the NW regional comparable wages that dictate, outcome in our community. Our budget and management directives, have been such to afford us the ability to pass a budget that anticipates a 2% decline in revenue over 09’ and no layoffs and if your city is like ours, by far most of the tax revenue goes to wages. As for our City Council salary well, we still the lowest paid and below existing salary rankings and even with a pay increase determined from a Salary Review Commission who offered cost of living over the last number of years since last reviewed, it is not nearly enough for the effort.<BR/><BR/>Bob Apple, Spokane City Council MemberAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-15066568791184876532009-01-19T15:35:00.000-08:002009-01-19T15:35:00.000-08:00From: Jang, Kerry [mailto:Kerry.Jang@vancouver.ca]...From: Jang, Kerry [mailto:Kerry.Jang@vancouver.ca] <BR/>Sent: Monday, January 19, 2009 1:41 PM<BR/>To: Bob Yoder<BR/>Subject: RE: neighborhood blog - citizen report of rising salary costs<BR/><BR/>Thanks Bob,<BR/>I will have a look.<BR/>Warm regards,<BR/><BR/>Kerry<BR/>************************************* <BR/>Dr. Kerry L. Jang <BR/>Councillor <BR/>453 West 12th Avenue <BR/>Vancouver, BC <BR/>Canada. V5Y 1V4 <BR/>604 873 7246Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-40936959705963249052009-01-19T08:53:00.000-08:002009-01-19T08:53:00.000-08:00EMAIL TO: Assist. to the Mayor and Redmond City Co...EMAIL TO: Assist. to the Mayor and Redmond City Council, 1/17/09<BR/><BR/>Thank you, Ms Christenson - <BR/><BR/>Thank you for acknowledgng my blog and attaching the letter from Human Resources Director describing your salary adjustment method. <BR/><BR/>Your 10-year old pricing method should be openly reviewed by the public. Salary and benefits are over 70% of our Operating Budget. That's reason enough. Did the "Budget by Priority" process review your salary pricing procedures? It should. Just one example, Microsoft isn't exemplary of "the private sector" and the Redmond public doesn't know how you weigh this in your compensation package analysis. <BR/><BR/>Who knows what the >$500,000 Human resource FTE/Program all about? Councilman Vache didn't like it and he's in the business. I bet not one of the six Citizens on a Results Committee could describe the program or the compensation package process . Are Budget Committee summaries of meetings on record? <BR/><BR/>Perhaps, the Mayor could present this topic in a regional or national Mayoral conference? It appears to have wide interest.<BR/><BR/>Thank you, <BR/>Bob Yoder<BR/>[edits for clarity for the reader]Bob Yoderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17538345340147926309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-50608637936039024022009-01-18T20:44:00.000-08:002009-01-18T20:44:00.000-08:00From: Signe Lien [mailto:slien@insurancecenterever...From: Signe Lien [mailto:slien@insurancecentereverett.com] <BR/>Sent: Saturday, January 10, 2009 2:43 PM<BR/>To: 'Bob/Lexie Yoder'<BR/>Subject: RE: Neighborhood blog - citizen report<BR/><BR/>Thank you. Will do. Sally LienAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-55867112476702553592009-01-18T17:06:00.000-08:002009-01-18T17:06:00.000-08:00From: Wilson, DJ [mailto:djwilson@ci.edmonds.wa.us...From: Wilson, DJ [mailto:djwilson@ci.edmonds.wa.us] <BR/>Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2009 5:38 AM<BR/>To: Bob Yoder<BR/>Subject: RE: neighborhood blog - citizen report<BR/><BR/>Thanks, Bob. Sorry late getting back to you, but I'll take a look at it.<BR/><BR/>DJAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-64688069895772234402009-01-18T13:50:00.000-08:002009-01-18T13:50:00.000-08:00Thank you for your comment. Yes. Any reader who ma...Thank you for your comment. Yes. Any reader who makes substantive comments by email which are posted on this story are asked if I can post their comment and/or post their name and title. So far, only one commenter asked I not use their name or reference their city and I followed their request. In addition the comment area functions as a Guest Book. <BR/><BR/>As for the City of Redmond, WA Administrative Directors, supervisors and elected, they are fully aware of my blog and this particular story and I would delete or edit anything they requested, once their request was confirmed.Bob Yoderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17538345340147926309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-92063011856742864842009-01-17T22:31:00.000-08:002009-01-17T22:31:00.000-08:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-88588844933495763492009-01-17T13:00:00.000-08:002009-01-17T13:00:00.000-08:00Mr. Yoder- Thank you for the email with link to yo...Mr. Yoder- Thank you for the email with link to your article and blog. I will forward to the Mayor and fellow councilmembers.<BR/><BR/>Dilenna Harris<BR/>Councilwoman, City of Vacaville<BR/>Calif.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-67740222034721422282009-01-16T22:45:00.000-08:002009-01-16T22:45:00.000-08:00Dear Mr. Yoder: I am responding to the recent post...Dear Mr. Yoder: <BR/><BR/>I am responding to the recent posting on your blog regarding market adjustments to the salary ranges of City of Redmond employees. <BR/><BR/>Since 1999 the City has used a market-based analysis to evaluate the need for annual salary range adjustments for all non-uniformed positions of the City. Unlike many cities that use the CPI-W to calculate adjustments, the City of Redmond uses sources that ensure it salary ranges are in-line with those of both private and public employers in the Puget Sound area. <BR/><BR/>To calculate the adjustment, data is obtained from the following sources: <BR/> <BR/>Survey of Private Businesses<BR/><BR/>Thirty-eight businesses in Redmond’s immediate labor market are contacted and asked to report their salary range adjustments for the coming year. <BR/><BR/>Comparison Cities<BR/><BR/>These comparison cities that compete for many of the same skilled labor pool as Redmond are asked to report their planned across-the-board increases for the coming year. <BR/><BR/>Published Survey<BR/><BR/>Milliman USA, a local consulting firm, produces an annual projection regarding anticipated changes that companies in the Puget Sound area will be making to salary ranges. <BR/><BR/>The private business survey, comparison cities and published survey are weighted equally in the analysis, resulting in a predominance of private as opposed to public sector data in the establishment of its salary ranges. <BR/><BR/>I hope this information is helpful to you in recognizing Redmond’s continuing efforts in ensuring its compensation packages are reflective of those of the local community. <BR/><BR/>Sincerely,<BR/>Kerry Sievers<BR/>Human Resources Director<BR/>City of Redmond, WA<BR/>1/16/09Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-69939851988814406982009-01-16T14:50:00.000-08:002009-01-16T14:50:00.000-08:00Dear Mr. Yoder:We received your email on January 1...Dear Mr. Yoder:<BR/><BR/>We received your email on January 12.<BR/><BR/>Thank you for taking the time to write to the City of Shoreline. Your comments will be distributed to the City Council and appropriate staff.<BR/><BR/>Please do not hesitate to contact the City Manager's Office at (206)<BR/>801-2214 if you have additional questions or concerns.<BR/><BR/>Sincerely,<BR/>Heidi Costello<BR/>City Manager's Office<BR/>City of Shoreline<BR/>(206) 801-2214<BR/>hcostello@shorelinewa.gov<BR/>Please note new email address - hcostello@shorelinewa.govAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-65464531109851787072009-01-16T14:41:00.000-08:002009-01-16T14:41:00.000-08:00From: Autry, Melissa [mailto:Melissa.Autry@cincinn...From: Autry, Melissa [mailto:Melissa.Autry@cincinnati-oh.gov] <BR/>Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 5:41 AM<BR/>To: bob.yoder@comcast.net<BR/>Subject: FW: Neighborhood blog - citizen report on risings salary costs<BR/><BR/>Mr. Yoder,<BR/>Thank you for your e-mail. Per your request, I have forwarded the information to the Mayor and Members of Council for consideration.<BR/>If I can be of any other service to you, please feel free to contact me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-6885876344133944302009-01-16T14:26:00.000-08:002009-01-16T14:26:00.000-08:00From: Walker, Lauren [mailto:lauren.walker@ci.taco...From: Walker, Lauren [mailto:lauren.walker@ci.tacoma.wa.us] <BR/>Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2009 9:42 PM<BR/>To: Bob Yoder<BR/>Subject: RE: Email from Web Site<BR/><BR/>Thank you.<BR/><BR/>Lauren Walker<BR/>Council District 3Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-21622393576839528782009-01-16T14:22:00.000-08:002009-01-16T14:22:00.000-08:00From: McCrory, Pat [mailto:PMcCrory@ci.charlotte.n...From: McCrory, Pat [mailto:PMcCrory@ci.charlotte.nc.us<BR/>Sent: Friday, January 09, 2009 6:08 AM<BR/>To: 'Bob Yoder'<BR/>Subject: RE: Redmond Blog - Citizen report of rising salary costs in Redmond, WA <BR/> <BR/>Bob ,<BR/>Thanks for the information. I will review it.<BR/><BR/>Mayor McCrory<BR/>Charlotte, N.C.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-12104652519942345072009-01-16T14:17:00.000-08:002009-01-16T14:17:00.000-08:00From: Ferguson, Jeremy [mailto:FergusonJ@ci.milwau...From: Ferguson, Jeremy [mailto:FergusonJ@ci.milwaukie.or.us] <BR/>Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2009 11:58 PM<BR/>To: Lexie Yoder; bob.yoder@comcast.net<BR/>Subject: RE: Neighborhood blog - citizen report<BR/><BR/>Thank you Mr. Yoder. I will forward on to City Council as well as our Budget Committee.<BR/><BR/>Jeremy Ferguson<BR/>Milwaukie MayorAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-16841052101847576112009-01-16T14:12:00.000-08:002009-01-16T14:12:00.000-08:00From: Hicks, Kathleen [mailto:Kathleen.Hicks@fortw...From: Hicks, Kathleen [mailto:Kathleen.Hicks@fortworthgov.org] <BR/>Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2009 2:40 PM<BR/>cc: Trevino, Will; 'ashleyvictoria@sbcglobal.net<BR/>Subject: Re: Neighborhood blog - citizen report<BR/><BR/>Hello,<BR/>Thanks so much for this information.<BR/><BR/>I am sure we will find it very helpful.<BR/><BR/>Best,<BR/>Kathleen Hicks <BR/>Mayor Pro Tem, Ft. Worth<BR/>Sent from my blackberry wireless<BR/>January 16, 2009 2:10 PMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-485581331425169493.post-89278223024123519162009-01-15T16:09:00.000-08:002009-01-15T16:09:00.000-08:00Mr. Yoder:Thank you for taking the time to contact...Mr. Yoder:<BR/><BR/>Thank you for taking the time to contact the City Clerk for the City of Sioux Falls. Her name is Debra Owen and I will be forwarding your correspondence to her immediately [for attention to the City Council].<BR/><BR/>I have taken a few minutes to review your site and have found it quite interesting!<BR/><BR/>Thank you again for your time and consideration.<BR/><BR/>Sincerely,<BR/><BR/>Tamara Jorgensen, CMC<BR/>Assistant City Clerk<BR/>clerks@siouxfalls.orgAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com