From Michael Boyce
Monroe, Third Ward Alderman
To the editor:
I'd like to address the salary increases given to City of Monroe department heads. Let me start by saying that I agree that when considered alone, some of the increases are large. However, I want to explain why I voted for the increases and why I think that when put in context most will agree that they are good for the community.
Last week, taxpayers received their property tax bills. For the second year in a row, the City of Monroe's tax rate has gone down, despite lower shared revenue from the State, and significantly lower equalized property values. Very few communities can make the same claim. Had the city raised taxes by any amount, there is no way I would have voted for the salary increases or the budget.
But, the 2013 budget took a novel approach by funding a 5.5 percent potential increase in wages and benefits for all employees. Not a guaranteed increase, a potential increase. This was done because when the budget was adopted the city had not completed the compensation plan for salaried employees, and had not finalized employment contracts with its union employees. All union contracts have not yet been signed.
Furthermore, this approach gives the city flexibility to assess a number factors, including the relevant labor market, particular positions and issues, performance, and the overall economic outlook. At the same time having funds available does not mean that they will be spent only for the sake of spending. Instead, this approach helps to ensure that the taxpayers money is in fact well spent or used to reduce taxes.
Importantly, the adoption of creative budgeting and a reasonable compensation plan signals to the entire community that city government desires to make itself a more professional organization. That it has its financial house in order. And that it treats all employees fairly. These are huge steps in the right direction and long overdue.
With increased pay comes increased expectations of improvements in productivity and performance. This expectation is understood by department heads. Pay is linked to performance. Taxes are lower. Spending is lower. Employee morale is increased. Services have not been sacrificed. The city's partners like the Humane Society, the Chamber, and GCDC are funded.
These are the reasons I support the salary increases. I urge you to do the same.
Monroe, Third Ward Alderman
To the editor:
I'd like to address the salary increases given to City of Monroe department heads. Let me start by saying that I agree that when considered alone, some of the increases are large. However, I want to explain why I voted for the increases and why I think that when put in context most will agree that they are good for the community.
Last week, taxpayers received their property tax bills. For the second year in a row, the City of Monroe's tax rate has gone down, despite lower shared revenue from the State, and significantly lower equalized property values. Very few communities can make the same claim. Had the city raised taxes by any amount, there is no way I would have voted for the salary increases or the budget.
But, the 2013 budget took a novel approach by funding a 5.5 percent potential increase in wages and benefits for all employees. Not a guaranteed increase, a potential increase. This was done because when the budget was adopted the city had not completed the compensation plan for salaried employees, and had not finalized employment contracts with its union employees. All union contracts have not yet been signed.
Furthermore, this approach gives the city flexibility to assess a number factors, including the relevant labor market, particular positions and issues, performance, and the overall economic outlook. At the same time having funds available does not mean that they will be spent only for the sake of spending. Instead, this approach helps to ensure that the taxpayers money is in fact well spent or used to reduce taxes.
Importantly, the adoption of creative budgeting and a reasonable compensation plan signals to the entire community that city government desires to make itself a more professional organization. That it has its financial house in order. And that it treats all employees fairly. These are huge steps in the right direction and long overdue.
With increased pay comes increased expectations of improvements in productivity and performance. This expectation is understood by department heads. Pay is linked to performance. Taxes are lower. Spending is lower. Employee morale is increased. Services have not been sacrificed. The city's partners like the Humane Society, the Chamber, and GCDC are funded.
These are the reasons I support the salary increases. I urge you to do the same.
