Laserfiche WebLink
FC-83 Page 2 February 20, 2018 <br /> Council Member Aaron Chung stated his concern was that there are no checks and balances. The Salary <br /> Commission is the final arbiters and what they think is fair is final. Mr. Chung noted that the Salary <br /> Commission does things incrementally and feels generally people do not have a problem with raises; <br /> however, when it is up to 40 percent and the bargaining units are fighting for small increments, it's hard <br /> to explain that to the public. <br /> Committee Chair Maile David thanked Ms. Lee Loy for bringing this item forward and stated she would <br /> like to hear from the Salary Commission because any amendments Ms. Lee Loy entertains will make <br /> sense after giving the Salary Commission the opportunity to speak about the process. <br /> Ms. Lee Loy postponed Bill 98 to February 20, 2018, Finance Committee meeting in Kona, and placed <br /> on the agenda when the Salary Commission would be able to present its comments and input, with <br /> discussion on this bill to follow. <br /> February 20, 2018 <br /> Ms. Lee Loy stated if the Salary Commission is a body with authority to institute raises and impact the <br /> County's Operating Budget, they should be held to a higher standard,just like the Council. Ms. Lee Loy <br /> feels that the Council needs to give the electorate the ability to engage because they are the ones who <br /> pay the bills and, therefore, should have a seat at the table. <br /> Mr. Richards commented that there is no question as to the level of work of the Salary Commission in <br /> reviewing salaries and also the level of professionalism as to what is being evaluated. <br /> Council Member Eileen O'Hara stated she appreciates the work the Salary Commission is doing but <br /> feels there is a lack of transparency. Ms. O'Hara commented that it's important that the public be given <br /> notice, and a notice published in newspapers as well so that the public is made aware of the process and <br /> have knowledge of that before the actual meetings. If the electorate decides, Ms. O'Hara feels the <br /> County Charter should be amended to allow for additional public process. <br /> Council Chair Valerie T. Poindexter commented that the public should be able to "chime"in, and further <br /> added that with this amendment, the public would not be part of the decision making, however, leaving <br /> it up to the voters to decide if they would want this or not. Ms. Poindexter also stated that the Salary <br /> Commission had put a lot of thought and hard work into their decisions, and she even inquired with the <br /> Finance Department as to how it would impact the budget and if there was money for the pay <br /> adjustments. Ms. Poindexter does not want to give the public false hope, stating that if this amendment <br /> is put in place, the public would be giving input but will not be involved in the decision. <br /> Council Member Jennifer Ruggles asked Ms. Lee Loy whether the Commission held public hearings in <br /> the past. Ms. Lee Loy responded that the Salary Commission operates the same as any other board or <br /> commission. Ms. Lee Loy noted that in this situation, the discussion took place but the,proposal itself <br /> was distributed at the meeting. She stated that some of the decisions made were on the day the proposal <br /> was given and the reason behind the amendment relating to the Salary Commission. <br /> Mr. Chung commented that he is in support of this amendment. The current Charter provision <br /> was borne out of the desire to de-politicize the system. He noticed he was in favor of <br />