Contributor Opinion By Anne Robbins: Employee Compensation Program Unwise And Inappropriate
May 28, 2009 7:30 - 3 Comments
To All: For many, many months, I have fought this massive employee compensation, and it seemed that nobody, but Phyllis Marcuccio, our Rockville citizens, and members of other governments, have listened to me. Thank you, Randy Alton, for your recognition that residents have heard the call and will respond. Sadly, our friends in other governments, will think twice when Rockville needs a handout, and that day will come. Rockville taxpayers will pay higher fees and the 4th year of a property tax reduction rate has been scuttled, (I had hoped this would be an annual policy), to fund this unwise, untimely, and inappropriate $1.7 million dollar employee compensation plan. (I exempt our employees covered by a union contract, from any reduction, as I honor union contracts.)
Mayor [Susan] Hoffmann has written about ” punishing our hardworking staff” to not give this huge compensation to the Rockville employees; nothing could be further from the truth as I recognize and honor our superior work force, many of whom, I have known for years. I believe that it would give these employees a good feeling to join other governments in making a statement that, “we are all in the same boat”, recognizing that we are all living in the worst recession since after WWII.
Anne Robbins
City Council Member
This contributor opinion is by Council Member Anne Robbins. It is in response to a letter by Randy Alton published in the Gazette.
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Anne – you do nothing to honor nor recognize our City staff. All I hear from you at meetings are attacks against staff and when you got personal with Burt Hall, you sunk yourself to a new level. Well, this is what elections are for.
We ask our staff to do more and more each year without the adding staff. Staff came up with enough cuts to make this budget work, but in your shortsighted manners, all you can do is complain about the merit pay they receive. Anne, it’s called merit pay for a reason…only the staff that deserve it get it. I hope you enjoy your last few months in office as I will make every effort to see you removed from it come November.
Thanks.
Watch Anne Robbins vote for an automatic pay raise for HERSELF in FY11 and another one in FY12 at the same meeting that she votes against the FY10 budget because, as she says, she opposes cost of living increases for City employees.
Watch it here (skip to agenda item 18):
http://rockvillemd.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=371&publish_id=&event_id=
I respectfully disagree with council member Robbins.
Keep in mind that during late 1990’s to early 2000’s when private and public entities had surplus money, the City employees only received the minimal cost of living and pay raise. Many private companies awarded generous bonus pay, “Christmas gifts” in the form of checks, elaborate company sponsored parties and outings… The City employees humbly accepted lower pay and no “fringe” benefits.
Now, during the lean years, the City has managed to control expenses, protect revenue and examine and adjust to trends with a positive outcome and a healthy bottom line. It’s a shame other municipalities couldn’t follow the lead. (Thank you Mr. Cohen)
I have a few questions for Council member Robbins –
How is the City supposed to attract and keep knowledgeable, highly educated, enthusiastic employees when they cannot be competitive with the market (note the study outcome – a study done in fiscal 2008 found city employees were being paid under market rate)? During the next upswing, prepare to lose staff.
City employees must pay for mortgages, insurance for home and autos, utilities, food, clothes, transportation and education from only the pay they receive from the City. I would respectfully ask you not to speak for them regarding their feelings. A majority of the council members do not agree with you and I would bet many employees feel the same.
You have been a vocal opponent of the pay raise for salaried employees, but where was that voice when union negotiations are announced? Congratulations for “honoring” contracts previously approved.
Mr. Alton – The City employees I know of don’t have an issue with working hard to get results. Hard working employees are the backbone of this great city and I consider it a slap in the face of each and every employee when the only way they get what they want is to look for a handout. I would propose you are the one out of touch with city employees.