09/15/1986 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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percent but disputes that have been settled in binding arbitration have generated increases between 3.5 and 4.2 percent. The Personnel Division has e been successful in having the arbitrators compare Eugene wages to wages in Corvallis, Springfield, Salem, and Albany. He said wages for firefighters and police officers would have increased 22 to 28 percent if Eugene were compared to Tacoma, Spokane, and Bellevue, Washington; and Santa Rosa and Glendale, California. He emphasized that City wages and salaries are appropriate for thi s market. Mr. Gleason said the wage settlements for other City departments were reviewed last year for Councilor Holmer and the report indicated that City wages for clerical and semi -sk ill ed employees compare favorably wi th wages in the private sector in this market. They are less than those paid in Portland, however. He said the percentage of wages the City pays for fringe benefits has been decreasing. It is now 28 to 29 percent for firefighters and police officers and 20 to 21 percent for other employees. Mr. Gleason said City employees have increased their productivity and the City has the same number of employees it had ten years ago. He said the number of executive managers, mid-managers, and first-line supervisors has been reduced in the last five years. Some positions, such as those in Central Dispatching (911), have been added and are financed with funds from other jurisdictions. Answering a question from Mr. Hansen, Mr. Gleason said cities in other states do not have the same financial restraints that cities in Oregon have and cities in Washington do not have to reduce expenses. City salaries compare favorably with salaries in other cities in Oregon. He said increased productivity usually results in small savings. Organizational changes, such e as the Redeployment Plan for the Police, Fire and Emergency Services Department, result in 1 a rge savings in operating costs after capital investments are made. He said productivity probably cannot be increased any more without eliminating programs. He suggested a subcommittee look into the matter if the council wants to pursue it. Mr. Gleason said Oregon cities must rely on a property tax system in which the tax base does not grow, the State decreases the kinds of properties that can be taxed, and the tax rates get higher. He said the situation will get worse until property taxes are relied on less. Mr. Papel said he does not agree that City salaries are competitive with salaries in the private sector. He sa i d a study by a 1 oca 1 organization indicated that Eugene, Lane County, and Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) salaries are higher than those in private industry. Mr. Gleason responded that the City has automated much clerical work; consequently, City clerical workers have special skills and wages reflect the skills. Mr. Hansen suggested Mr. Gl eason present wage comparisons to the Budget Committee. Replying to a question from Mayor Obie, Mr. Gleason said the City's cost for fringe benefits is competitive in this market. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 15, 1986 Page 2