2023-08-04 Salary Commission Minutes

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Salary Commission August 4, 2023 about, primarily, the police chief and the deputy chief—which these salaries attach to—we need to ensure (inaudible). These gentlemen are trained professionals in their field. It's not like they just move out of a position and go suddenly become an accountant or something else. These guys are they're lifelong career professionals in law enforcement and also in firefighting with the fire chief and the deputy fire chief. So, when we—when they've been here as long as they have, they need to be compensated. Currently, we are seeing issues on the mainland where police departments and jurisdictions, and fire departments and jurisdictionsI'm speaking on behalf of the fire, too, because it's all public safety issue. They're both para-neutral—paramilitary organizations where their rank -and -file are currently making more money than they are. And it's very difficult when you get an order to somebody that's below you in the chain of command, but is earning more money than you. There is that mental distrust, especially in that type of command situation where public safety is at stake. The cost of living inflation rates are constantly increasing and it's crucial that our compensation keeps up with these economic changes. We need to provide a fair and just salary increase. We need to ensure that these guys maintain reasonable quality of life while meeting their financial responsibilities and, moreover, a competitive salary will make it (inaudible) for them to stay with us, strengthen our communities, and security in the long run. Our community relies heavily on the dedication and expertise of these individuals. And the brave men and women are on the frontlines and facing challenging, high pressure situations to keep us safe. It's our responsibility and it's only our responsibility—no one else does this—to reciprocate and for the community by offering them fair compensation and acknowledging the sacrifices they make daily. I know that our board put forth some numbers. I would even go so far as to say that those numbers are inadequate that we need to look to the future. That, just like as the tide comes up, if we know that we've got a provision for a certain tide and it takes us six months to get there all of a sudden we're inundated because we're below water again. So, we need to—and oftentimes the information that I get from our constituents is"Why did you not anticipate and plan for this? Why are we always behind on the eighth ball?" And, I guess, that's what I'm compelling us to do here today—is that to not look at today but anticipate the future. Because as these raises come upas these collective bargaining units go into effect, and everybody below the chief and the deputy get these pay increases—it puts us back into the same argument. And time and time again, I've been in front of the Salary Commission this would be my fifth time arguing this same statement. And every time within 24 to 36 month, we're right back in this situation. So, I appreciate your time. I'm open for any questions. I truly believe that we need to be in the 220 to the 240 range for both of these heads—both the police chief and the fire chief. I can't speak on behalf of the fire commission but I can tell you that both these leaders in these executive positions are embarrassingly underpaid. Thank you. Thank you, Chair. Page 15