The topic of salary increases was first brought before the board a year ago by General Manager Virgil Koehne, who has been vocal in his frustration over the board’s reluctance to approve the staff raises as well as a benefits package.
“I know this is probably a hot topic for the board,” said Koehne at the Aug. 5 regular CSD meeting. “But staff has in the past gone out to look at CSDA numbers … and every year they put out a salary rate that a lot of us have based on similar positions, and according to their survey all but one position is below the “low” average of salary surveys. I would like to recommend increasing the base salaries.”
CSD President Ray Tetreault said he was inclined to bring the raises along, calling it “a pretty good bump.
“My first thought was to maybe wait for the new GM, but that’s going to be a good four to six months. But we’re not talking retroactive?”
“I was thinking retroactive (to November),” answered Koehne.
“Think again,” said Tetreault, who later agreed to a retroactive date of July 1.
Treasurer Dave Dove was in favor of bringing the salaries up to the “average” level, but Tetreault said the salary levels could be examined and reestablished, if necessary, by the new GM.
“We’re going to approve the dollar amount of the low rate that is established,” said Tetreault. “The new GM could say it’s not high enough or whatever … but this (current increase) will at least bring them up to what we perceive as acceptable.”
Although the board approved the staff raises, 5-0, it steered clear of addressing Koehne’s previous request for staff benefits. “A lot of them (other similar districts) have full benefits, and I realize the board will not go there …” said Koehne.
“Well, a lot of those districts are larger (than Discovery Bay’s),” said Tetreault. “You’ve sold your case … We’re going to give them a raise; that’s what it’s going to be.”
CSD Director David Piepho echoed Tetreault’s comments.
“I’m glad the board pointed out that we break the benefits off,” said Piepho. “That should be a different conversation and there are several ways to address it.”
Piepho made the motion to approve the hourly rates, retroactive to July 1, for the following positions:
• Executive assistant/administrative secretary, from $20.18 to $22.50
• Office clerk/ administrative assistant, from $17.51 to $18.70
• Office clerk/accountant-bookkeeper, from $16.95 to $20.
• Park/maintenance worker, from $16.78 to $18.
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