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Home > Blogs > West Chester News and Issues > Archives > 2009 > March > 24 > Entry
Economy considered in employees’ future pay
Nearly 100 West Chester Twp. employees should be expecting some sort of raise in the coming months. Just what that increase will be, though, remains up for debate, especially in tough economic times.
The West Chester Twp. Board of Trustees is expected to consider next month raises and merit increases for its approximately 99 non-contract (or non-union) employees, some of whom have not received any raises since a previous pay range was approved more than three years ago.
Trustees said they will approach the subject carefully and with much consideration as entities in the private sector are facing layoffs or pay cuts and most employers are forging their financial futures with do-more-with-less attitudes.
“This is something we have to be very careful of right now in these economic conditions,” said Trustee George Lang. “We’re going to spend some time looking at these numbers and be very cautious.”
Township Administrator Judi Boyko is expected to continue studying pay scales in the private and public sector before bringing three proposals back to the Board: Ranges of pay, overall amount of merit increases and the maximum percentage of merit increase that can be provided to non-contract employees.
She said that at least 10 percent of the eligible employees have not received any type of raise in the past two years. Others have worked at the same pay levels since the pay scales were adopted in April 2006.
“I do understand this is a very emotional topic given the economic conditions, but I think the adjustments to the pay ranges are simply that,” Boyko said. “These ranges have not been looked at in more than three years.”
Lang disagreed saying fiscal responsibility — and not emotion — should be a larger factor in the decision.
Boyko said she will not include a recommendation to freeze or cut salaries for non-contract employees. And Trustees said they don’t believe that route to be feasible, regardless of the local or national economy.
“It’s an adjustment to reflect the last four years, not to reflect what the next four years will bring us,” Trustee Catherine Stoker said.
Added Lang: “I do think something is warranted, but it’s not a decision that can be taken lightly.”
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: West Chester Twp. Government
Comments
By thoth
March 25, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this
Most likely some of these people truly deserve a raise for cost of living if nothing else, but unfortunately, no matter matter the reason, people will complain if anyone receives any sort of raise, especially given the current economic climate. It’s the nature of things.
By juneg
March 25, 2009 1:51 PM | Link to this
Times are tough, and I am sure some people deserve a raise, but these economic times dictate things may have to change. If you look at the pay scale in West Chester, and see what a secretary makes, you may be shocked.we may have to pass on any any raises. No one said life is fair, but having a job is the key issue,or survival through these economic times. I would like a payraise, cost of living goes up all the time, but reality sinks in, and hopefully better times are ahead.
By WCGovWatchDog
March 26, 2009 8:32 PM | Link to this
This is nothing more than ridiculous, especially from the likes of Trustee George Lang and the Township Administrator. Look around West Chester and you will only see little effect of the national economy. Sure, a few shops and restaurants have closed. Foreclosures are slightly higher than the year before. But the demographics are good and taxes are being paid. You will see buildings under construction. The library. The fire station. From the hospital at VOA to the IKEA. West Chester is doing pretty well. So is the township’s general fund, which grew from $987,000 in 2002 to $9,000,000 in 2007. If it wasn’t, I would have expected a request for some stimulus funds. There was no request. Not from Liberty either. The bond rating went up too. As for pay raises, it looks like the rich get richer and the middle class get the screws. The township boasts about their pay scales (reduced 2 years ago), their reduction of personnel spending and aligning themselves with others. So most people will pay close attention to the Administrators raise. She got a 6% cost of living each year for the past two. Is it coincidence that this article comes out right after the 2008 salaries are published?? I think not. Its the knee jerk reaction to avoid the spotlight of criticism. Spoon feed us some more please. Example… there would be no real reason to raise the business item limit (once $750, now $1,500, raised to $2,500) for votes in the trustee’s meetings. Why?? If you don’t see an item, the only way you’ll know about it is by asking. Only a few do. Those that don’t ask wind up re-electing the same spoon feeders. So, yes, George Lang. Continue to align yourself and the township with others. Say its bad everywhere and times are tough. Just quit doing it with a brand new, gold plated spoon each time.