Council VP Proposes Change to Salary Cut Legislation
City Council VP Sara Drew said she is introducing an amendment to her proposed legislation to cut 10 percent from the mayor's and council's salary in 2012.
Stow City Council Vice President Sara Drew wants to put money saved from possible council salary cuts into the general fund now.
Drew said she is introducing an amendment Thursday to put money saved from a 10 percent cut in council's and the mayor's salary in 2012 into the general fund instead of using some of the funds as an incentive, for pay raises for city employees who are considered to be underpaid and into the city's savings account.
"I feel strongly that we need to show leadership and come to a resolution on this issue — I am hopeful these proposed changes will allow us to do so in a unified manner," said Drew.
A 10 percent cut is expected to save about $15,400 annually, starting in 2012.
"It's good she recognized that giving raises is wrong right now, considering our budget crisis. The cuts are still not large enough," said Councilmember Mike Rasor. "My proposal would have almost a three-times greater impact on the budget. After a full month of debating, nobody has refuted my data about our salaries being about 40 percent too high."
Rasor's proposal to cut 40 percent from the council's salary and 10 percent from the mayor's, would save $54,280 annually and be used to repair roads and buy snow-clearing vehicles.
Councilors make $16,660 annually and council's president makes $17,660, said Finance Director John Baranek. The mayor's annual salary is $90,215.
"I believe what I am proposing will eliminate the points of contention held by various councilmembers and allow us to move forward in a unified manner," said Drew. "These changes will allow council to vote on salary reduction only."
For council's reaction to the proposal, check back with Stow Patch Friday. The next council meeting is March 7 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Jeanne
11:24 am on Saturday, March 5, 2011
I agree with Mr. Razor. He realizes that deeper cuts are needed, and shows true leadership.
KLAWS
12:23 pm on Saturday, March 5, 2011
Ms. Drew's proposals came only after Mr. Rasor had presented his plan. Her decision to put the savings into the general fund instead of employee pay raises and incentives came only after significant public disapproval. This is "leadership"? If Ms. Drew truly wants to reach a compromise in a "unified manner" she will achieve it by listening to the community and understanding the economy.
Jeanne
8:47 pm on Saturday, March 5, 2011
Could not have said that better. Nice job Klaws.
Dawn Doo
2:01 pm on Saturday, March 5, 2011
During the campaign, Mr. Rasor discussed his proposal for a substancial reduction of city council's salary at length. Obviously council members did not think this would actually become a reality. I'm discouraged Ms. Drew continues to insinuate that there are "points of contention held by various councilmembers." You have some free thinkers now on council, embrace it!
Jeanne
8:51 pm on Saturday, March 5, 2011
Dawn isn't refreshing, to see someone keep their word. Mr. Rasor did say that in his campaign, and I beleive that he will do everything he can to get this proposal to happen. To be honest, seeing all the people making statements, and expressing their thoughts, makes me feel better about our community coming together. It is LONG overdue.
Bob Adaska
6:22 pm on Saturday, March 5, 2011
Fat chance that is going to happen. For Sara Drew to be even seriously considered to lead this City, she has to follow the program. Lower Council and Mayor's salaries translates into lower Administrative salaries overall. They see the writing on the wall and are just trying to contain the inevitable. This means a 10 percent cut not 40 percent as it should be.
Jeanne
8:57 pm on Saturday, March 5, 2011
Bob, well hopefully, enough people will sign the petition that is going around town. The "good ole boys and girls" are in panic mode. The citizens are speaking out and I do think we are being heard. The council may not like it, but it is about time more people are getting involved and speaking up. I really want to thank everyone that runs Stow Patch for this wonderful website, that is letting the community speak from their hearts and not be sensored. Keep up the good work.
Jacob
8:13 am on Monday, March 7, 2011
I would suggest a base salary with a performance bonus. Bonus could be a large portion of salary, say 30%. Bonus would be based upon fiscal and operational goals. Each goal could be tied to a portion of the bonus. Goals would need to be reasonable and attainable while still producing progress for the city. This type of system is effective in private industry, and I believe could be adapted to this situation as well.
Then, if we end up having a very highly paid counsel/mayor it means they are doing a damn fine job. Either way, having performance based rewards is good business in my opinion.
Ed Kent
8:32 am on Monday, March 7, 2011
I agree with Jacob. Excellent idea to ponder.
Jeanne
9:36 am on Monday, March 7, 2011
Performance based bonus is a great idea. But in the same respect, the elected officials know what the salery is when they accept the position. If we went with this then all aspects of elected officials, senators, congressman, and even the President of the United States could be able to get a bonus. Now I do think that the workers that are hired, service department, office staff, and teachers should all be on the performance base bonus program. There are many great workers, that bust their butt getting their jobs done, while another person, slacks off, and gets the same amount of pay as the hard worker. And that is just not right. I have seen this many times especially in our schools. One teacher is doing a great job, while others are getting the same pay increase, and the other teacher is busy being on their own computer doing things that do not pertain to the teaching part of their job. So yes performance based bonus are a great idea for the workers.
Bob Adaska
9:27 am on Monday, March 7, 2011
I disagree with you guys on this one as apparently a lot of others do too. Sara Drew started off wanting to tie part of the council's incentive pay to performance and attedance and you see how that went over. You should not reward members of Council or the Mayor for performance or attendance. These are things that are required in our City Charter. The lack of either gererally means nonfeasance. Read the Charter on the City's website.
Bob Adaska
9:49 am on Monday, March 7, 2011
In a normal economy our city employees get a cost of living adjustment each year followed by a merit increase usually on their anniversary date and approved by their direct supervisor. If someone isn't performing, it is up to their supervisor to limit the merit increase. Seems like the mechanism for rewarding good workmanship is already there, it just needs to be applied as it was originally intended.
Jeanne
9:53 am on Monday, March 7, 2011
Thanks for the information Bob, I did not realize that the merit raises are already in place. Sounds like the supervisors need a little more monitoring.
Tom
10:30 am on Tuesday, March 8, 2011
SAra Drew wants to be Mayor...she wants to cut only 10% when 40% was proposed? She wants a bonus for doing the work and coming to work when she is supposed to? My vote on election day will show my dissaproval of her.