Let The Good Times Roll

A budget hearing held on February 22, 2012 reveals that a new position, “CHIEF BUILDING INSPECTOR” became effective the previous day and comes with a $15,000 per year pay increase for that individual. It is unknown how the creation of a new position with a commensurate salary increase was achieved without the approval of City Council. City officials tried unsuccessfully to suppress the subject of this job creation and the corresponding wage.  Watch the chain of events as the information is reluctantly discussed. 

Interestingly, prior to the topic of the pay raise and the new position being brought up; the subject of increased “PERS” - Public Employees Retirement System and Medicare amounts was attributed solely to the end of furlough days with no mention of the pay increase or new position.

Building Commissioner, Paul Kowalczyk: “So that’s really where you saw the increase in the personnel services.”  

Ward 2 Councilman, Moe Romeo: “How about other charges, anything in there that’s of any consequence?”

Building Commissioner: “Nothin’.  Nothin’ that really I would think would jump out at you.”

It is later in the discussion when the conversation shifts to reveal the truth.

Ward 4 Councilperson, Jane Goodman: “Are you doing personnel separately?”  She makes reference to the title, "Deputy Director."

Council President, David Miller: “There’s an increase.  Everyone had stayed the same except for the one gentleman who went from 47 to 62.  Is that the new job description?  The new position?

Building Commissioner: “The chief building inspector, yeah.”

• time: 5 min. 14 sec.

Please click on image below to view full size.

Please also see previous related SEO posts:

Administrative Salaries Must Be Cut
Hope You're Sitting Down For This One
Standing By The Proposed Raise
Modified Raise
Taxpayers - Watch Your Back