Moreover, they are concerned longer term, about the severity of the stock market decline and its impact on CalPERS contribution rates.
Moreover the city manager warns that while the immediate concern is impact on the City’s General Fund, economic conditions suggest that other city funds could be impacted.
The city manager calls for establishing at least five cost-controls measures for the remainder of this fiscal year.
First, while the city remained on paper in the black prior to this economic downturn, the city was actually absorbing a deficit in terms of the the services that it was providing. As such, revenue shortfalls were absorbed into unmet needs–things that the city really should have been spending money on like road repairs and infrastructure upgrades, that they could not afford. Obviously the situation has worsened since the last evaluation, but it seems that the city could have been doing some of these things all along.
For example, the city manager asks for all departments to “closely monitor overtime use.” Overtime has been an issue for some time, why would they not have been closely monitoring overtime in the past?
Along the same lines, if the city was unable to meet some critical needs, why not place more limits on non-essential travel and training prior to this? The same can be said for discretionary spending.
Why wouldn’t you want all new contracts to be approved by the City Manager in advance of commitment under normal circumstance?
What I want to know is how much money they would expect to save through these cost-cutting mechanisms. My guess is this is probably more symbolic than anything else, on the other hand, my concern is why not implement this sooner.
Again two reasons to really questions this. First, the unmet needs problems of previous budgets. Second, it is not like this current budget crisis should have caught the city unaware.
After all, the city was prepared at one point to take a $3 million hit through the state budget. However, what finally materialized was a $760,000 hit to the redevelopment agency rather than the general fund.
What is also interesting is the timing of this memo which came out on Monday. On Thursday, the city council will have a special closed session meeting negotiating the city’s new contract with department heads and the assistant city manager. This group received an 18% increase in salary in their previous contract with various colas built in over the course of the three year period. Thus someone making $100,000 a year to start the contract would be making $118,000 at the end of the contract.
Will this announcement about the budget troubles along with previous concerns about the out-of-control growth in city salaries lead to a more prudent contract from the city council?
That is going to be a key question because right now we are cutting back on unmet needs even before this critical economic downturn. Will the city continue to increase the pay to already well-off city employees or will they put our resources into maintaining the parks, repairing our roads, and continuing to provide transportation for various citizens?
In the meantime, the state budget picture if anything looks even more bleak than a few months ago. The city needs to prepare to take a huge hit, however, the real question is what they have been doing up until now to prepare? To me this memo suggests that the first steps are only just now being taken.
The memo closes on the standard note basically saying our situation may not be good, but we are in better shape than others.
“One final note worth considering is that while we are facing budget difficulties, our situation is not nearly as severe as those being experienced in many jurisdictions throughout the state. Through proactive actions now, I believe we can further soften the budgetary impacts of the economic downturn on our city.”
This would have been a great memo perhaps six months, now it seems to be a little too late as the first canary appears to be at the very least in critical condition.
—David M. Greenwald reporting
Bill’s memo is as bland as his answer to the Grand Jury. Have you heard anything from Bob Aaronson along those issues? I thought the response was targeted to be announced aound the first of November. We’ll see if overtime diminishes.
Bill’s memo is as bland as his answer to the Grand Jury. Have you heard anything from Bob Aaronson along those issues? I thought the response was targeted to be announced aound the first of November. We’ll see if overtime diminishes.
Bill’s memo is as bland as his answer to the Grand Jury. Have you heard anything from Bob Aaronson along those issues? I thought the response was targeted to be announced aound the first of November. We’ll see if overtime diminishes.
Bill’s memo is as bland as his answer to the Grand Jury. Have you heard anything from Bob Aaronson along those issues? I thought the response was targeted to be announced aound the first of November. We’ll see if overtime diminishes.
The report from Aaronson has be turned in, it is right now scheduled to be presented during the city council meeting on December 9.
The report from Aaronson has be turned in, it is right now scheduled to be presented during the city council meeting on December 9.
The report from Aaronson has be turned in, it is right now scheduled to be presented during the city council meeting on December 9.
The report from Aaronson has be turned in, it is right now scheduled to be presented during the city council meeting on December 9.
Thank you for your response, and thank you for all the work you do to keep us informed. We appreciate it.
Thank you for your response, and thank you for all the work you do to keep us informed. We appreciate it.
Thank you for your response, and thank you for all the work you do to keep us informed. We appreciate it.
Thank you for your response, and thank you for all the work you do to keep us informed. We appreciate it.
Funny thing about COLA increases, how often do you see them decrease? During a recession the cost of living can go down. Would our fearless public servants accept a reduction in wages to reflect that reality?
I would like to see the city impose an across the board reduction to wages paid to public employees to cover the deficit. If they don’t like it, they can leave. It would be a benefit either way…
Funny thing about COLA increases, how often do you see them decrease? During a recession the cost of living can go down. Would our fearless public servants accept a reduction in wages to reflect that reality?
I would like to see the city impose an across the board reduction to wages paid to public employees to cover the deficit. If they don’t like it, they can leave. It would be a benefit either way…
Funny thing about COLA increases, how often do you see them decrease? During a recession the cost of living can go down. Would our fearless public servants accept a reduction in wages to reflect that reality?
I would like to see the city impose an across the board reduction to wages paid to public employees to cover the deficit. If they don’t like it, they can leave. It would be a benefit either way…
Funny thing about COLA increases, how often do you see them decrease? During a recession the cost of living can go down. Would our fearless public servants accept a reduction in wages to reflect that reality?
I would like to see the city impose an across the board reduction to wages paid to public employees to cover the deficit. If they don’t like it, they can leave. It would be a benefit either way…
The best you can hope for is a freeze on employee salaries.
The best you can hope for is a freeze on employee salaries.
The best you can hope for is a freeze on employee salaries.
The best you can hope for is a freeze on employee salaries.
Hopefully the issue of employee salaries and benefits will be reviewed to prevent the sorts of disparities that have been highlighted in the past. (Yes, I’m referring to the bloated firefighter pay in comparison to the police officers.)
Firefighter (non-supervisory):
$69,538.85-$92,977.25 yearly
Police Officer (non-supervisory):
$61,676.58-$74,968.19 yearly
Employees also receive an additional $18,000 per year to help defray medical benefits. Any unused amount is refunded to paychecks as additional salary.
Hopefully the issue of employee salaries and benefits will be reviewed to prevent the sorts of disparities that have been highlighted in the past. (Yes, I’m referring to the bloated firefighter pay in comparison to the police officers.)
Firefighter (non-supervisory):
$69,538.85-$92,977.25 yearly
Police Officer (non-supervisory):
$61,676.58-$74,968.19 yearly
Employees also receive an additional $18,000 per year to help defray medical benefits. Any unused amount is refunded to paychecks as additional salary.
Hopefully the issue of employee salaries and benefits will be reviewed to prevent the sorts of disparities that have been highlighted in the past. (Yes, I’m referring to the bloated firefighter pay in comparison to the police officers.)
Firefighter (non-supervisory):
$69,538.85-$92,977.25 yearly
Police Officer (non-supervisory):
$61,676.58-$74,968.19 yearly
Employees also receive an additional $18,000 per year to help defray medical benefits. Any unused amount is refunded to paychecks as additional salary.
Hopefully the issue of employee salaries and benefits will be reviewed to prevent the sorts of disparities that have been highlighted in the past. (Yes, I’m referring to the bloated firefighter pay in comparison to the police officers.)
Firefighter (non-supervisory):
$69,538.85-$92,977.25 yearly
Police Officer (non-supervisory):
$61,676.58-$74,968.19 yearly
Employees also receive an additional $18,000 per year to help defray medical benefits. Any unused amount is refunded to paychecks as additional salary.
Sorry for the double-post. It must be my web browser. DPD, please feel free to delete this and the duplicate post. Thanks.
Sorry for the double-post. It must be my web browser. DPD, please feel free to delete this and the duplicate post. Thanks.
Sorry for the double-post. It must be my web browser. DPD, please feel free to delete this and the duplicate post. Thanks.
Sorry for the double-post. It must be my web browser. DPD, please feel free to delete this and the duplicate post. Thanks.
Those numbers do not include benefits, pension, and most of all… overtime. Think $150,000 average total compensation to firefighters. It will be very interesting to see what Aaronson’s report says.
Those numbers do not include benefits, pension, and most of all… overtime. Think $150,000 average total compensation to firefighters. It will be very interesting to see what Aaronson’s report says.
Those numbers do not include benefits, pension, and most of all… overtime. Think $150,000 average total compensation to firefighters. It will be very interesting to see what Aaronson’s report says.
Those numbers do not include benefits, pension, and most of all… overtime. Think $150,000 average total compensation to firefighters. It will be very interesting to see what Aaronson’s report says.
DPD: What will Aaronson’s report say? Is it a whitewash?
DPD: What will Aaronson’s report say? Is it a whitewash?
DPD: What will Aaronson’s report say? Is it a whitewash?
DPD: What will Aaronson’s report say? Is it a whitewash?
In the Davis Enterprise, Sunday October 12th 2008,the article titled ” Closer look at city pay ” with graphs ,notes that the City of Davis employees are at the lowest positions on the graphs for pay compared to surrounding cities .
Overall total employee costs per capita are the lowest also .
In the Davis Enterprise, Sunday October 12th 2008,the article titled ” Closer look at city pay ” with graphs ,notes that the City of Davis employees are at the lowest positions on the graphs for pay compared to surrounding cities .
Overall total employee costs per capita are the lowest also .
In the Davis Enterprise, Sunday October 12th 2008,the article titled ” Closer look at city pay ” with graphs ,notes that the City of Davis employees are at the lowest positions on the graphs for pay compared to surrounding cities .
Overall total employee costs per capita are the lowest also .
In the Davis Enterprise, Sunday October 12th 2008,the article titled ” Closer look at city pay ” with graphs ,notes that the City of Davis employees are at the lowest positions on the graphs for pay compared to surrounding cities .
Overall total employee costs per capita are the lowest also .
Did you read the Vanguard’s article which critiqued the budget workshop?
Click here
I sat through the budget workshop, I think some of it was misleading, but the other point that needs to be made is that the trajectory of budget increases is disturbing even if Davis is somewhat in better shape than surrounding areas.
Did you read the Vanguard’s article which critiqued the budget workshop?
Click here
I sat through the budget workshop, I think some of it was misleading, but the other point that needs to be made is that the trajectory of budget increases is disturbing even if Davis is somewhat in better shape than surrounding areas.
Did you read the Vanguard’s article which critiqued the budget workshop?
Click here
I sat through the budget workshop, I think some of it was misleading, but the other point that needs to be made is that the trajectory of budget increases is disturbing even if Davis is somewhat in better shape than surrounding areas.
Did you read the Vanguard’s article which critiqued the budget workshop?
Click here
I sat through the budget workshop, I think some of it was misleading, but the other point that needs to be made is that the trajectory of budget increases is disturbing even if Davis is somewhat in better shape than surrounding areas.
The city manager should address the fact that 4 million dollars will be given to property managers and owners of so called “low income housing” causing a drain on public services due to criminal and gang activity, code violations, while the managers such as Jon Berkely Management CHOC and SMHA get rich off of providing substandard “low income housing” to the poor. Most poeple that live in “affordable housing” can’t afford the rents in these industrial complexes and the surrounding neighbors have to deal with crime and diminished property values due to the prescence of these so called affordable “low income” warehouses. They don’t provide decent, quality, and safe, affordable housing, and they leach local governments dry of federal funds and subsidies. The folks over at fair housing need to pay attention to these issues as does the city council when considering funneling millions of dollars into the pockets of wealthy landlords and property managers such as Jon Berkely Managment.
The city manager should address the fact that 4 million dollars will be given to property managers and owners of so called “low income housing” causing a drain on public services due to criminal and gang activity, code violations, while the managers such as Jon Berkely Management CHOC and SMHA get rich off of providing substandard “low income housing” to the poor. Most poeple that live in “affordable housing” can’t afford the rents in these industrial complexes and the surrounding neighbors have to deal with crime and diminished property values due to the prescence of these so called affordable “low income” warehouses. They don’t provide decent, quality, and safe, affordable housing, and they leach local governments dry of federal funds and subsidies. The folks over at fair housing need to pay attention to these issues as does the city council when considering funneling millions of dollars into the pockets of wealthy landlords and property managers such as Jon Berkely Managment.
The city manager should address the fact that 4 million dollars will be given to property managers and owners of so called “low income housing” causing a drain on public services due to criminal and gang activity, code violations, while the managers such as Jon Berkely Management CHOC and SMHA get rich off of providing substandard “low income housing” to the poor. Most poeple that live in “affordable housing” can’t afford the rents in these industrial complexes and the surrounding neighbors have to deal with crime and diminished property values due to the prescence of these so called affordable “low income” warehouses. They don’t provide decent, quality, and safe, affordable housing, and they leach local governments dry of federal funds and subsidies. The folks over at fair housing need to pay attention to these issues as does the city council when considering funneling millions of dollars into the pockets of wealthy landlords and property managers such as Jon Berkely Managment.
The city manager should address the fact that 4 million dollars will be given to property managers and owners of so called “low income housing” causing a drain on public services due to criminal and gang activity, code violations, while the managers such as Jon Berkely Management CHOC and SMHA get rich off of providing substandard “low income housing” to the poor. Most poeple that live in “affordable housing” can’t afford the rents in these industrial complexes and the surrounding neighbors have to deal with crime and diminished property values due to the prescence of these so called affordable “low income” warehouses. They don’t provide decent, quality, and safe, affordable housing, and they leach local governments dry of federal funds and subsidies. The folks over at fair housing need to pay attention to these issues as does the city council when considering funneling millions of dollars into the pockets of wealthy landlords and property managers such as Jon Berkely Managment.
“This group received an 18% increase in salary in their previous contract with various colas built in over the course of the three year period.”
A big problem for the city is the rising costs of medical insurance. Almost without fail, the costs have been increasing at 10% per year compounded*. The city not only picks up 100% of this cost for its current employees, it buys the insurance for all retirees. (Those who are 65+ get part of the bill paid by Medicare.)
The plan we (the taxpayers) are buying for city employees is a deluxe medical plan: much better, for example, than what DJUSD employees get. There are no deductibles, no copays, and even the cost of things like glasses and hearing aids are paid for entirely by the city, forever. I think (but I am not sure) that all family members (including kids up to age 22) are paid for at no expense to employees.
The city council (in the coming contracts) needs to change this. It is unsustainable. Perhaps they could offer a more modest health plan and ask employees to start paying some of the costs. Or at least, if they don’t change plans, negotiate a deal where all increased expenses above 3% per year are borne by the employees, not the city.
———-
* I spoke with Paul Navazio about this a little over a year ago. We both agreed that the inflation in medical costs cannot continue forever. I wonder if the current recession/depression will finally slow the growth in these expenses.
“This group received an 18% increase in salary in their previous contract with various colas built in over the course of the three year period.”
A big problem for the city is the rising costs of medical insurance. Almost without fail, the costs have been increasing at 10% per year compounded*. The city not only picks up 100% of this cost for its current employees, it buys the insurance for all retirees. (Those who are 65+ get part of the bill paid by Medicare.)
The plan we (the taxpayers) are buying for city employees is a deluxe medical plan: much better, for example, than what DJUSD employees get. There are no deductibles, no copays, and even the cost of things like glasses and hearing aids are paid for entirely by the city, forever. I think (but I am not sure) that all family members (including kids up to age 22) are paid for at no expense to employees.
The city council (in the coming contracts) needs to change this. It is unsustainable. Perhaps they could offer a more modest health plan and ask employees to start paying some of the costs. Or at least, if they don’t change plans, negotiate a deal where all increased expenses above 3% per year are borne by the employees, not the city.
———-
* I spoke with Paul Navazio about this a little over a year ago. We both agreed that the inflation in medical costs cannot continue forever. I wonder if the current recession/depression will finally slow the growth in these expenses.
“This group received an 18% increase in salary in their previous contract with various colas built in over the course of the three year period.”
A big problem for the city is the rising costs of medical insurance. Almost without fail, the costs have been increasing at 10% per year compounded*. The city not only picks up 100% of this cost for its current employees, it buys the insurance for all retirees. (Those who are 65+ get part of the bill paid by Medicare.)
The plan we (the taxpayers) are buying for city employees is a deluxe medical plan: much better, for example, than what DJUSD employees get. There are no deductibles, no copays, and even the cost of things like glasses and hearing aids are paid for entirely by the city, forever. I think (but I am not sure) that all family members (including kids up to age 22) are paid for at no expense to employees.
The city council (in the coming contracts) needs to change this. It is unsustainable. Perhaps they could offer a more modest health plan and ask employees to start paying some of the costs. Or at least, if they don’t change plans, negotiate a deal where all increased expenses above 3% per year are borne by the employees, not the city.
———-
* I spoke with Paul Navazio about this a little over a year ago. We both agreed that the inflation in medical costs cannot continue forever. I wonder if the current recession/depression will finally slow the growth in these expenses.
“This group received an 18% increase in salary in their previous contract with various colas built in over the course of the three year period.”
A big problem for the city is the rising costs of medical insurance. Almost without fail, the costs have been increasing at 10% per year compounded*. The city not only picks up 100% of this cost for its current employees, it buys the insurance for all retirees. (Those who are 65+ get part of the bill paid by Medicare.)
The plan we (the taxpayers) are buying for city employees is a deluxe medical plan: much better, for example, than what DJUSD employees get. There are no deductibles, no copays, and even the cost of things like glasses and hearing aids are paid for entirely by the city, forever. I think (but I am not sure) that all family members (including kids up to age 22) are paid for at no expense to employees.
The city council (in the coming contracts) needs to change this. It is unsustainable. Perhaps they could offer a more modest health plan and ask employees to start paying some of the costs. Or at least, if they don’t change plans, negotiate a deal where all increased expenses above 3% per year are borne by the employees, not the city.
———-
* I spoke with Paul Navazio about this a little over a year ago. We both agreed that the inflation in medical costs cannot continue forever. I wonder if the current recession/depression will finally slow the growth in these expenses.
I thought all employess are on some sort of cafeteria benefits program. I think that means they have to give up selected benefits if they choose to put their families on the medical plan.
I thought all employess are on some sort of cafeteria benefits program. I think that means they have to give up selected benefits if they choose to put their families on the medical plan.
I thought all employess are on some sort of cafeteria benefits program. I think that means they have to give up selected benefits if they choose to put their families on the medical plan.
I thought all employess are on some sort of cafeteria benefits program. I think that means they have to give up selected benefits if they choose to put their families on the medical plan.
“”The plan we (the taxpayers) are buying for city employees is a deluxe medical plan: much better, for example, than what DJUSD employees get. There are no deductibles, no copays, and even the cost of things like glasses and hearing aids are paid for entirely by the city, forever. I think (but I am not sure) that all family members (including kids up to age 22) are paid for at no expense to employees.””
Rich , do your homework and stop writing untruths until you have the correct facts.
Because the ink is free on this blog doesn’t mean you should be putting pen to paper all willynilly !!!
Be a respectful person like Bob Dunning …
Not a stirrer of the hearsay untruths ..
“”The plan we (the taxpayers) are buying for city employees is a deluxe medical plan: much better, for example, than what DJUSD employees get. There are no deductibles, no copays, and even the cost of things like glasses and hearing aids are paid for entirely by the city, forever. I think (but I am not sure) that all family members (including kids up to age 22) are paid for at no expense to employees.””
Rich , do your homework and stop writing untruths until you have the correct facts.
Because the ink is free on this blog doesn’t mean you should be putting pen to paper all willynilly !!!
Be a respectful person like Bob Dunning …
Not a stirrer of the hearsay untruths ..
“”The plan we (the taxpayers) are buying for city employees is a deluxe medical plan: much better, for example, than what DJUSD employees get. There are no deductibles, no copays, and even the cost of things like glasses and hearing aids are paid for entirely by the city, forever. I think (but I am not sure) that all family members (including kids up to age 22) are paid for at no expense to employees.””
Rich , do your homework and stop writing untruths until you have the correct facts.
Because the ink is free on this blog doesn’t mean you should be putting pen to paper all willynilly !!!
Be a respectful person like Bob Dunning …
Not a stirrer of the hearsay untruths ..
“”The plan we (the taxpayers) are buying for city employees is a deluxe medical plan: much better, for example, than what DJUSD employees get. There are no deductibles, no copays, and even the cost of things like glasses and hearing aids are paid for entirely by the city, forever. I think (but I am not sure) that all family members (including kids up to age 22) are paid for at no expense to employees.””
Rich , do your homework and stop writing untruths until you have the correct facts.
Because the ink is free on this blog doesn’t mean you should be putting pen to paper all willynilly !!!
Be a respectful person like Bob Dunning …
Not a stirrer of the hearsay untruths ..
1:58:
Since you are calling Rich a liar, behind the mask of anonymity, perhaps you might cite chapter and verse actual evidence that refutes his points.
1:58:
Since you are calling Rich a liar, behind the mask of anonymity, perhaps you might cite chapter and verse actual evidence that refutes his points.
1:58:
Since you are calling Rich a liar, behind the mask of anonymity, perhaps you might cite chapter and verse actual evidence that refutes his points.
1:58:
Since you are calling Rich a liar, behind the mask of anonymity, perhaps you might cite chapter and verse actual evidence that refutes his points.
Look, the entirety of the US is going into a downward spiral right now. We need a massive cash infusion to stop the entire country from going bankrupt. Oh, wait, that cash was used in Iraq. Thanks, Bush.
Look, the entirety of the US is going into a downward spiral right now. We need a massive cash infusion to stop the entire country from going bankrupt. Oh, wait, that cash was used in Iraq. Thanks, Bush.
Look, the entirety of the US is going into a downward spiral right now. We need a massive cash infusion to stop the entire country from going bankrupt. Oh, wait, that cash was used in Iraq. Thanks, Bush.
Look, the entirety of the US is going into a downward spiral right now. We need a massive cash infusion to stop the entire country from going bankrupt. Oh, wait, that cash was used in Iraq. Thanks, Bush.
“Rich , do your homework and stop writing untruths until you have the correct facts.”
I’m happy to give you my source for that information: It was what I was told by Paul Navazio. We were discussing at the time the problems regarding financing retiree medical care. I later spoke about the benefits program with Melissa Chaney, who is the Human Resources Administrator. I don’t recall her describing the medical benefits details in any way. She simply explained to me what benefits the city was locked into and what they were not.
It is possible I misunderstood what I was told by Paul. If I am wrong in any way, please correct me.
“I thought all employess are on some sort of cafeteria benefits program.”
What I described is what is called the Kaiser Family Plan. (That is one of the choices city beneficiaries have.) You are correct they have other choices. However, it is my understanding that the KFP, which really is a top-notch plan, is available to all permanent, full-time city employees.
And let me restate my concern: The costs keep going up year after year far faster than salaries have been rising. There is nothing the city can do about medical inflation. I am not blaming anyone. All I am saying is that the burden for this inflation could be shared.
“Rich , do your homework and stop writing untruths until you have the correct facts.”
I’m happy to give you my source for that information: It was what I was told by Paul Navazio. We were discussing at the time the problems regarding financing retiree medical care. I later spoke about the benefits program with Melissa Chaney, who is the Human Resources Administrator. I don’t recall her describing the medical benefits details in any way. She simply explained to me what benefits the city was locked into and what they were not.
It is possible I misunderstood what I was told by Paul. If I am wrong in any way, please correct me.
“I thought all employess are on some sort of cafeteria benefits program.”
What I described is what is called the Kaiser Family Plan. (That is one of the choices city beneficiaries have.) You are correct they have other choices. However, it is my understanding that the KFP, which really is a top-notch plan, is available to all permanent, full-time city employees.
And let me restate my concern: The costs keep going up year after year far faster than salaries have been rising. There is nothing the city can do about medical inflation. I am not blaming anyone. All I am saying is that the burden for this inflation could be shared.
“Rich , do your homework and stop writing untruths until you have the correct facts.”
I’m happy to give you my source for that information: It was what I was told by Paul Navazio. We were discussing at the time the problems regarding financing retiree medical care. I later spoke about the benefits program with Melissa Chaney, who is the Human Resources Administrator. I don’t recall her describing the medical benefits details in any way. She simply explained to me what benefits the city was locked into and what they were not.
It is possible I misunderstood what I was told by Paul. If I am wrong in any way, please correct me.
“I thought all employess are on some sort of cafeteria benefits program.”
What I described is what is called the Kaiser Family Plan. (That is one of the choices city beneficiaries have.) You are correct they have other choices. However, it is my understanding that the KFP, which really is a top-notch plan, is available to all permanent, full-time city employees.
And let me restate my concern: The costs keep going up year after year far faster than salaries have been rising. There is nothing the city can do about medical inflation. I am not blaming anyone. All I am saying is that the burden for this inflation could be shared.
“Rich , do your homework and stop writing untruths until you have the correct facts.”
I’m happy to give you my source for that information: It was what I was told by Paul Navazio. We were discussing at the time the problems regarding financing retiree medical care. I later spoke about the benefits program with Melissa Chaney, who is the Human Resources Administrator. I don’t recall her describing the medical benefits details in any way. She simply explained to me what benefits the city was locked into and what they were not.
It is possible I misunderstood what I was told by Paul. If I am wrong in any way, please correct me.
“I thought all employess are on some sort of cafeteria benefits program.”
What I described is what is called the Kaiser Family Plan. (That is one of the choices city beneficiaries have.) You are correct they have other choices. However, it is my understanding that the KFP, which really is a top-notch plan, is available to all permanent, full-time city employees.
And let me restate my concern: The costs keep going up year after year far faster than salaries have been rising. There is nothing the city can do about medical inflation. I am not blaming anyone. All I am saying is that the burden for this inflation could be shared.
This comes from the city contract which David wrote about in his blog today:
All EMPLOYEES must enroll in one of the PERS health program plans unless they submit to the CITY proof of alternative health coverage.
The CITY will make available to each covered employee a monthly amount equal to the sum of the following health and dental benefits. This amount can be used to either pay for the benefit or it may be taken as cash in lieu if the above criteria are met. The amount allotted for health and dental premiums is the only CITY contribution that can be taken as cash in lieu.
CITY shall contribute towards each EMPLOYEE’s cafeteria benefit plan an amount equal to the premium for the group health insurance plan available from Kaiser-North for an employee and two or more dependents sponsored by the CITY through Public Employees Retirement System.
The following CalPERS health care programs are currently offered:
Blue Shield HMO, PERS Care, Kaiser, PERS Choice, Western Health Advantage.
CITY shall contribute towards each EMPLOYEE’s cafeteria benefit plan the total monthly premium, for the term of this contract, for the CITY’S self-funded dental plan for employee with two or more dependents. CITY will continue to include unmarried dependents through age 22 consistent with the CITY’S health benefits, in the dental insurance program.
This paragraph makes me think I may have been wrong about glasses and hearing aids:
City shall continue to make vision care available to the ASSOCIATION, at no cost to the CITY.
It’s not unlikely that the benefits plans to different bargaining groups are a bit different. However, the problem of rising costs has affected the city across the board.
This comes from the city contract which David wrote about in his blog today:
All EMPLOYEES must enroll in one of the PERS health program plans unless they submit to the CITY proof of alternative health coverage.
The CITY will make available to each covered employee a monthly amount equal to the sum of the following health and dental benefits. This amount can be used to either pay for the benefit or it may be taken as cash in lieu if the above criteria are met. The amount allotted for health and dental premiums is the only CITY contribution that can be taken as cash in lieu.
CITY shall contribute towards each EMPLOYEE’s cafeteria benefit plan an amount equal to the premium for the group health insurance plan available from Kaiser-North for an employee and two or more dependents sponsored by the CITY through Public Employees Retirement System.
The following CalPERS health care programs are currently offered:
Blue Shield HMO, PERS Care, Kaiser, PERS Choice, Western Health Advantage.
CITY shall contribute towards each EMPLOYEE’s cafeteria benefit plan the total monthly premium, for the term of this contract, for the CITY’S self-funded dental plan for employee with two or more dependents. CITY will continue to include unmarried dependents through age 22 consistent with the CITY’S health benefits, in the dental insurance program.
This paragraph makes me think I may have been wrong about glasses and hearing aids:
City shall continue to make vision care available to the ASSOCIATION, at no cost to the CITY.
It’s not unlikely that the benefits plans to different bargaining groups are a bit different. However, the problem of rising costs has affected the city across the board.
This comes from the city contract which David wrote about in his blog today:
All EMPLOYEES must enroll in one of the PERS health program plans unless they submit to the CITY proof of alternative health coverage.
The CITY will make available to each covered employee a monthly amount equal to the sum of the following health and dental benefits. This amount can be used to either pay for the benefit or it may be taken as cash in lieu if the above criteria are met. The amount allotted for health and dental premiums is the only CITY contribution that can be taken as cash in lieu.
CITY shall contribute towards each EMPLOYEE’s cafeteria benefit plan an amount equal to the premium for the group health insurance plan available from Kaiser-North for an employee and two or more dependents sponsored by the CITY through Public Employees Retirement System.
The following CalPERS health care programs are currently offered:
Blue Shield HMO, PERS Care, Kaiser, PERS Choice, Western Health Advantage.
CITY shall contribute towards each EMPLOYEE’s cafeteria benefit plan the total monthly premium, for the term of this contract, for the CITY’S self-funded dental plan for employee with two or more dependents. CITY will continue to include unmarried dependents through age 22 consistent with the CITY’S health benefits, in the dental insurance program.
This paragraph makes me think I may have been wrong about glasses and hearing aids:
City shall continue to make vision care available to the ASSOCIATION, at no cost to the CITY.
It’s not unlikely that the benefits plans to different bargaining groups are a bit different. However, the problem of rising costs has affected the city across the board.
This comes from the city contract which David wrote about in his blog today:
All EMPLOYEES must enroll in one of the PERS health program plans unless they submit to the CITY proof of alternative health coverage.
The CITY will make available to each covered employee a monthly amount equal to the sum of the following health and dental benefits. This amount can be used to either pay for the benefit or it may be taken as cash in lieu if the above criteria are met. The amount allotted for health and dental premiums is the only CITY contribution that can be taken as cash in lieu.
CITY shall contribute towards each EMPLOYEE’s cafeteria benefit plan an amount equal to the premium for the group health insurance plan available from Kaiser-North for an employee and two or more dependents sponsored by the CITY through Public Employees Retirement System.
The following CalPERS health care programs are currently offered:
Blue Shield HMO, PERS Care, Kaiser, PERS Choice, Western Health Advantage.
CITY shall contribute towards each EMPLOYEE’s cafeteria benefit plan the total monthly premium, for the term of this contract, for the CITY’S self-funded dental plan for employee with two or more dependents. CITY will continue to include unmarried dependents through age 22 consistent with the CITY’S health benefits, in the dental insurance program.
This paragraph makes me think I may have been wrong about glasses and hearing aids:
City shall continue to make vision care available to the ASSOCIATION, at no cost to the CITY.
It’s not unlikely that the benefits plans to different bargaining groups are a bit different. However, the problem of rising costs has affected the city across the board.
I think you guys should be looking into ways to save money on this wastewater treatment upgrade and water supply issue. This is unreal what there asking us to do.
Meaning , the State of California , about our discharge quality, please help our city council to find a more viable and economic choice , besides the ones proposed.
Should cities be asked to make these expensive demands in a economy that is making expenses difficult ?
I think you guys should be looking into ways to save money on this wastewater treatment upgrade and water supply issue. This is unreal what there asking us to do.
Meaning , the State of California , about our discharge quality, please help our city council to find a more viable and economic choice , besides the ones proposed.
Should cities be asked to make these expensive demands in a economy that is making expenses difficult ?
I think you guys should be looking into ways to save money on this wastewater treatment upgrade and water supply issue. This is unreal what there asking us to do.
Meaning , the State of California , about our discharge quality, please help our city council to find a more viable and economic choice , besides the ones proposed.
Should cities be asked to make these expensive demands in a economy that is making expenses difficult ?
I think you guys should be looking into ways to save money on this wastewater treatment upgrade and water supply issue. This is unreal what there asking us to do.
Meaning , the State of California , about our discharge quality, please help our city council to find a more viable and economic choice , besides the ones proposed.
Should cities be asked to make these expensive demands in a economy that is making expenses difficult ?
: 11/12/2008 07:08:15 AM PST
A San Francisco police inspector has filed a federal civil rights suit against Antioch, arguing that officers in the East County city illegally broke into her home and Tasered her last year during a dispute involving a tenant she was evicting.
Marvetia Lynn Richardson contends the officers’ actions represent an Antioch Police Department policy to harass African-American residents to drive them out of certain neighborhoods in the city.
The allegations are denied by the defendants, who include the city, its police department, police Chief James Hyde, Sgt. Thomas Fuhrmann and several named officers. They state in court documents that Richardson was arrested with probable cause and that limited force was used. Antioch’s city attorney could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
: 11/12/2008 07:08:15 AM PST
A San Francisco police inspector has filed a federal civil rights suit against Antioch, arguing that officers in the East County city illegally broke into her home and Tasered her last year during a dispute involving a tenant she was evicting.
Marvetia Lynn Richardson contends the officers’ actions represent an Antioch Police Department policy to harass African-American residents to drive them out of certain neighborhoods in the city.
The allegations are denied by the defendants, who include the city, its police department, police Chief James Hyde, Sgt. Thomas Fuhrmann and several named officers. They state in court documents that Richardson was arrested with probable cause and that limited force was used. Antioch’s city attorney could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
: 11/12/2008 07:08:15 AM PST
A San Francisco police inspector has filed a federal civil rights suit against Antioch, arguing that officers in the East County city illegally broke into her home and Tasered her last year during a dispute involving a tenant she was evicting.
Marvetia Lynn Richardson contends the officers’ actions represent an Antioch Police Department policy to harass African-American residents to drive them out of certain neighborhoods in the city.
The allegations are denied by the defendants, who include the city, its police department, police Chief James Hyde, Sgt. Thomas Fuhrmann and several named officers. They state in court documents that Richardson was arrested with probable cause and that limited force was used. Antioch’s city attorney could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
: 11/12/2008 07:08:15 AM PST
A San Francisco police inspector has filed a federal civil rights suit against Antioch, arguing that officers in the East County city illegally broke into her home and Tasered her last year during a dispute involving a tenant she was evicting.
Marvetia Lynn Richardson contends the officers’ actions represent an Antioch Police Department policy to harass African-American residents to drive them out of certain neighborhoods in the city.
The allegations are denied by the defendants, who include the city, its police department, police Chief James Hyde, Sgt. Thomas Fuhrmann and several named officers. They state in court documents that Richardson was arrested with probable cause and that limited force was used. Antioch’s city attorney could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Don Saylor will soon be mayor.
He ran on a platform that he had balanced the budget. Good luck Davis.
Don Saylor will soon be mayor.
He ran on a platform that he had balanced the budget. Good luck Davis.
Don Saylor will soon be mayor.
He ran on a platform that he had balanced the budget. Good luck Davis.
Don Saylor will soon be mayor.
He ran on a platform that he had balanced the budget. Good luck Davis.
The Vanguard warned about the impending budget problem and people failed to listen.
Is the Vanguard now saying, “I told you so.” Probably not. You’re way too kind David Greenwald.
The Vanguard warned about the impending budget problem and people failed to listen.
Is the Vanguard now saying, “I told you so.” Probably not. You’re way too kind David Greenwald.
The Vanguard warned about the impending budget problem and people failed to listen.
Is the Vanguard now saying, “I told you so.” Probably not. You’re way too kind David Greenwald.
The Vanguard warned about the impending budget problem and people failed to listen.
Is the Vanguard now saying, “I told you so.” Probably not. You’re way too kind David Greenwald.
The better situation you can hope for is that the overpayment to firefighters is adjusted downward. They are overpaid along with their chief. Will they quit if their pay is reduced by 20%? No they won’t. Why? Because there are very few jobs, as firefighters, as comfortable as the ones in Davis.
How many structure fires did the DFD respond to last year? 2,4,6 or 10?
The better situation you can hope for is that the overpayment to firefighters is adjusted downward. They are overpaid along with their chief. Will they quit if their pay is reduced by 20%? No they won’t. Why? Because there are very few jobs, as firefighters, as comfortable as the ones in Davis.
How many structure fires did the DFD respond to last year? 2,4,6 or 10?
The better situation you can hope for is that the overpayment to firefighters is adjusted downward. They are overpaid along with their chief. Will they quit if their pay is reduced by 20%? No they won’t. Why? Because there are very few jobs, as firefighters, as comfortable as the ones in Davis.
How many structure fires did the DFD respond to last year? 2,4,6 or 10?
The better situation you can hope for is that the overpayment to firefighters is adjusted downward. They are overpaid along with their chief. Will they quit if their pay is reduced by 20%? No they won’t. Why? Because there are very few jobs, as firefighters, as comfortable as the ones in Davis.
How many structure fires did the DFD respond to last year? 2,4,6 or 10?
Unfortunately it’s not a matter of them quitting, you have a collective bargaining agreement. You cannot adjust the wages downward.
Unfortunately it’s not a matter of them quitting, you have a collective bargaining agreement. You cannot adjust the wages downward.
Unfortunately it’s not a matter of them quitting, you have a collective bargaining agreement. You cannot adjust the wages downward.
Unfortunately it’s not a matter of them quitting, you have a collective bargaining agreement. You cannot adjust the wages downward.