Despite economy, county gives execs raises
Officials says salary increases scheduled to happen
The recent decision to give county managers salary increases has raised questions among some employees about the actual budget situation. At the Tuesday Placer County Board of Supervisors meeting, 5 percent merit raises were approved for seven county employees. County CEO Tom Miller said the raises are scheduled to occur and are based on years of service and passing certain evaluation criteria. He said the managers listed on the board of supervisor’s agenda are not represented by a public union and therefore need the board’s approval. Union employee raises do not appear on public agendas, he said. The raises included a range of department employees from Richard Colwell, chief assistant CEO, whose hourly wage will increase 5 percent to $116.89, to Richard Buckman, veteran services officer, whose hourly wage will bump up to $39.92. Miller said the county would have to negotiate to withhold the merit increases. He said all county employees, including those who received the recent salary increases, are taking 12 furlough days this year. County probation officer Chuck Parcher said he doesn’t have a problem with negotiated pay raises but said he wonders if the county is being forthright about the current budget situation. “I’m concerned the county didn’t come forward and clearly say what financial dire straits we are in,” Parcher said. In April, the Placer Public Employees Organization — the county’s largest union — agreed to 12 furlough days. Now, Parcher says he questions the necessity. “At the time it was portrayed as doom and gloom,” Parcher said of the county’s financial situation. “Now I don’t think it’s as doom and gloom.” Miller said the furlough agreement, along with other adjustments, “saved $7 million.” Parcher said union employees are scheduled to receive a negotiated 2.5 percent pay raise this year. He said that percentage was reduced from a normally higher pay raise. The Journal’s Jenifer Gee can be reached at jeniferg@goldcountrymedia.com or post a comment.
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Which county employees received a 5 percent merit increase? The following is a list of employees who received a 5 percent merit increase per approval of the Placer Board of Supervisors Tuesday. - Richard E. Buckman, Veteran Services Officer, $39.92 per hour, retroactive to May 9; Annual salary $83,033.60 - Richard E. Colwell, Chief Assistant CEO, $116.89 per hour to include longevity retroactive to June 20; Annual salary $243,131.20 - Maryellen Peters, Deputy County Executive Officer, $67.03 per hour, retroactive to March 14; Annual salary $139,422.40 - Nicole C. Howard, Managing Accountant Auditor, $51.30 per hour, retroactive to June 20; - Brett Holt, Deputy County Counsel III, $56.61 retroactive to June 20; Annual salary $117,748.80 - Michael Lombardo, Assistant Client Services Program Director, $52.31 per hour, retroactive to April 11;Annual salary $108,804.80 - Stephen G. Pecor, Chief Probation Officer, $76.48 per hour which includes longevity, effective July 4;Annual salary $159,078.40
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Pay raises in the middle of a recession. Doesn't seem like a very good idea. Are the Supes tone deaf?
Very bad form - don't the supes know that "in difficult times we all share in the pain, and in good times we share in the gain"
What a pity.
Robert Capp
Well, with the employees taking the 12 furlough days that saves enough money to give these people raises. I don't see a problem. You have to take care of your own and Mr. Miller does that magnificently even if it come at the expense of the rank and file. He probably wonders why there is no loyalty in the County, anyone care to enlighten his majesty..
Absolutely Absurd!
"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both."
Dwight D. Eisenhower
So 12 furlough days huh? That works out to be 96 hours at the regular rate of pay. so they will work 8 Over Time days (64 hrs) to make up for the furlough days. Ultimately they will get a 5% raise and 4 EXTRA DAYS OFF!!! Perhaps we are supposed to turn a blind eye to this travesty? As a man who is a victim of the recession I can truly say this sickens me!
"The county would have to negotiate to withold the merit increases"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! well yeah!! Didn't they negotiate furloughs and decreases in the rank and files pay planned increases? What a great message, while real estate markets are far from bottom, and lease rates dropping buy a justice building in Roseville, buy a helicopter, give senior managers raises all on the backs of the rank and file. If the county couldn't afford the raises, I am sure there would have been some negotiations - this raise will make up for furloughs, alas those making much much less do not have the same priveledge, these raises total about $40,000++ (quick numbers) - this could go a long way, especially for employees not in the 6 figures like those mentioned. On one hand the people who got raises are explaining to their staff and subordinates the need to take furloughs, and how tough things are, then on the other hand........ Also interesting how this comes out after other reductions & cuts have been made. Politics in its prime
This is outrageous. I struggle to make ends meet and these people, with already bloated, obscene salaries, get raises? How do you guys sleep at night?
As a poll worker during the recent May 19 election, we were asked to "donate" our pay back to the county because of budget constraints. I realize that a mere $105 isn't much, but I'm glad I took MY pay for 15 hours of work.
Simply Sick thinking, most of which who got this pay raise make over 50 dollars and hour already!!!!!!!!!! How many of us make $50 an hour? Probably none of us. They all should by rights turn down the raise.
Love it, make the other employees take furlough days, pay cuts and no pay increases. Help me understand this sanity!!!
I cannot believe Miller hold's the county employees to taking furlough days and grants more money to the highest salaries in the county employment pool. I am not surprised about Richard Colwell as he is still a damaged person from his anger of not getting the CEO job Tom Miller got. All should decline the raise and also take off furlough days like the employees who signed a contract with Miller to keep them from getting laid off. Usually decisions like this are from a combination of alcohol and poor judgement. Miller is about as nutty as port-a-potty at a peanut festival for this one. Folks.....the bar is set very low for any one to take Miller or Colwell's job. This is truly a stimulus bill from the axis of idiots at the county administration level. You two are the lowest of what rests on the floor of a barn stall and your moral compass points to a self centered cold heart. The old saying "you can't polish fecal matter" takes on a whole new meaning. Will Rogers once said "I never met a person I didn't like." Apparently Will Rogers never met Tom Miller or Rich Colwell.
This action has caused lack of credibility of the management of Placer County. If they later ask anyone to "cut back" so they can give raises when most in the "real world" are getting cuts or losing their jobs, there will be little sympathy for their requests.
Paigeturner - you hit the nail on the head...........county government politics and less-than-deserving departments heads. Time to look for a county executive with a better perspective on the state of the state regarding Placer County. Let's get Lunsford back.
They take pay raises but there are County Offices that have open positions they need to have filled. We aren't talking high pay positions either. I know one office would be ecstatic to have just one of their 5 open positions filled. What a crock.
I want to Puke!
I am disgusted! I work in the private sector and have endured to pay cuts and hour cuts. This is stealing!!
Comparative salaries. You be the judge.
Governor of Californnia $212179
Lt Governor of California 159,134
Vice Pres of US 221,100
Cabinet-level offical, federal 191,300
Speaket of the House (US) 221,100
Chief Justice US Supreme Ct 217,400
CA Speaker of House and
Pres Pro Tem Senate 133,639
California State agency heads
(general range of sallaries) 159,000 to 170,000
Sometimes I wonder if "merit increases" are really merit increases based on perofrmance or rather a way for managers to reward particular employees for cooperation and looking the other way. Look at the deal Mendes had going. Probably not an isolated incident but rather a commen practice in this county.
What I think is funny is how Tom Miller orchestrated with the help of Mr. Pecor and the local union representative the exit of the Probation Officers from the DSA Union, with false promises and bad information and a meaningless raise (I think it was obvious now that there were plans to offset any raises with furloughs, and decreases in merit raises), I am sure there was a lot of back slapping over this move. It looks like Mr. Pecor is getting his rewards. The good old boy's way of getting what you want works well in Placer County. I think the Grand Jury should be investigating how things are being run and especially how the process went down with the probation department union change. It is very ugly how Placer County is being run, the lies and deceipt is so shameful, and it looks like the Board is just rubber stamping and condoning this behavor.
The most shocking thing about these guys is that they feel justified and don't mind who knows it. While they are cutting services to the "least of them" they get raises above already inflated salaries. Ummm. Don't they know about judgement day?
Dear Forkidsake: The grand jury is for the most part useless. Any findings they forward to the District Attorney or others, are their friends, and also rely on the Supervisers to fund them and sign their paycheck increases. Any findings would just get railroaded. It would be interesting to know what the DA, and others make how many merit "bonusus" they have recieved.
Apparently, our financial crisis in California isn't bad enough yet. There are still too many people in government who can't fathom anything other than "business as usual".
How long have these people been in their positions? At my level you are only allowed 5 merit increases in your salary for the position you hold; one at 6 months and the other 4 annually. After exhausting the merit increases, all you have to look forward to is the COLA, unless you are lucky enough to promote up. The problem with the elitist, ruling, upper crust is that most can vote their own pay raises. Heck, if I voted for my own pay raise, I would be very tempted to double my salary! But then, once adjusted to the new salary, I would want to double it again! And again... life without end... Amen!
pollywog: I am certain they have been at their current positions for a number of years. These salaries and raises really do not make any sense whatsoever in these difficult times.
Pollywog - I'm not greedy...When is "enough" enough? There have been good "kings" in the past and I am sure they are around even now. Problem is, we either don't care to DEMAND that changes are made or we agree with the corruption and greed
most of us are voters, other than that what else can we do? somebody point me in the direction!!
that_one - here are several things we can do
1. keep blogging
2. talk to friends, neighbor and family
3. write emails/letters to elected officials
4. show up at Board of Supervisor meetings (County officials report to them)
5. if you get information you think might be interesting to reporters (ie Sacramento Bee) that are not from local newspapers, email or call them. Media exposure to questionable acts by the "elitests", makes them move. No one likes their dirty deeds aired in the public.
you aren't alone. I am just now learning how this is done so anyone else out there with better information, please share. We need to start taking action or things will be "business as usual."
Has anyone heard from the Placer County League of Taxpayers? They used to be a great watchdog group
Why did the Supervisors select Tom Miller as CEO anyway? Did they do a background check? If they did and still hired him then shame on them. If they didn't and hired him then shame on them anyway. He left Tehama County after a scathing Grand Jury Report, 1991/1992, nailed him. Then on to Nevada County where he was at the helm when the infamous Dark Horse Subdivision was approved. Those poor people are now left with a bankrupt development, some with no power, and lots of other problems. That project was approved against the then Planning Director's recommendation, without an EIR, but with obvious Miller manipulation. They say follow the money, so I wonder, is there any connection between these projects and Millers brother, Sam Miller, a consultant for builders? What current projects is Sam involved in that are under brother Tom’s influence? These pay raises are one more indication of his ineptness and lack of respect for the workers and citizens of P.C.
Richard Colwell, well now, that’s a horses rear if ever there was one. Some say he is the Supervisors lackey. Word is he does a lot of the dirty work for them. Pay raise is prob just what Bluebird said-payback time. He is disrespected by fellow employees, is said to be corrupt and has a HUGE ego, flaunting it at every opportunity. The Grand Jury should investigate him regarding his dealings as head of the Redevelopment Agency. I hear some past employees are just waiting to be asked the right questions
Observer: or feel powerless to do anything about it! One letter is not enough; we need public outcry... LOUDLY! And that goes at all level... especiall at the state. They are cutting the lean while doling out mega-bucks to entitlements, friends, and themselves. We have a sorry nation of leaders.
I bet any one of us could look at the budget and find a lot of fat to cut up at the top.
Over and over Toms motivation seems to be driven by questionable reasons. He is tearing apart the county from the inside out, and our supervisors are blindly or ignorantly letting him do it. Union busting, questionable purchases, development or raises, someone needs to take a look and find out whose interests are being protected, because it is not the taxpayers or employees.
I think it's quite telling of Tom Miller's character that his picture is dark. Like he's lurking in the shadows.
Come on, Tom, come out in the open, go hiking in the Appalachians, tell us the truth.
Does wwilson have documentation?
pollywog, they sleep like babies, sometimes I think they enjoy shafting the little guys and that soothes them even more.
For now and for the sake of decency I will just call this sickening.
Pam95650, do you realize that in 15 hours you made $11 less than Colwell will make in one hour and you did a heck of a lot more than he ever will.
Yep, I'll still stick with sick, I don't want to get thrown out.
Paige turner, the only real qualifications for Miller's or Colwell's job is the willingness to screw your employees past the point of unbelievable pain, while they dance the nigh away with fine wines courtesy of the finest County vineyards. And please, that matter that is in the barn floor has a use as fertilizer, those two have yet to make themselves that valuable.
Old Colwell probably threw a huge fit when he didn't get the CEO job so they threw him a bone with a big title and big money. But no mater what he will always know he is only second best. What do they call second place? The first loser.
Write to your Supervisor. Tell them the same thing you say here. They are the ones who hired Miller and threw the bone at "dead fish handshake" Colwell. He better have an ego, he hasn't got much more so then, you have to become a legend in your own mind in order to survive.
The British are coming!
I wonder why some of these raises weren't discussed months ago, retro active to March 14? At one point supervisors would have had to approve a pay scales, as employees move up the scale they get increases, Supervisor approval would not be needed as they were pre-approved raises. As they would have been part of an entire budget package, the only way supervisors would be involved is if they were NOT going to give automatic raises. If that was the case, supervisors would be approving merit increases at every meeting. There is more to this story for sure.
Pay raises may be justified to retain talent, or so Wall Street executives say. But not sofor Placer County! The CEO's office wasted $2 million of Redevelopment funds on the Tahoe City Marina Parking Garage, which would have been cause for dismissal in the private sector. The RDA has received $50 million in taxes and bonds from North Lake Tahoe, with very little to show. This incompetence is rewarded by the BOS with a "merit increase" for the head of RDA? Placer County is supposed to be the steward of our taxes, not Placer County, Inc. that treats our taxes as their "income". Accountability of public expenditures has been replaced by the coercive practice of purchasing loyalty. All taxpayers in Placer County should be outraged and demand recission of the increases and full review of the current leadership.
I think we make the mistake of seeing only that which is under our noses and don't look beyond our comfort zone. Our whole nation and most nearly every level of government is doing the very same thing. They claim to be in the corner of the voter of which most are made up by the working class when it is the working stiff who is being taken advantage of. The tax burden continues to increase with each passing day. I was frustrated in the 80's and 90's because the government took my income which I labored for in order to supply the needs of my family not leaving me enough to support them Placer County has been doing the same thing in partnership with the city governments in the county and yet for some reason or another we continue to place those in office who seem to have the talent to continue what I call the rape of the citizen.
Once again I am appalled by the actions of the upper echelon in Placer County...My questions are: Why do we need these people? Are they helping us? Are they being responsible stewards of Placer County monies? Are they setting an apprropriate example for the "rank & file"? Are they making way more than they are worth? Do they show any remorse for making the backbone of Placer County take furloughs? Why do we need a "Chief Assistant".?? What does he do that Miller can't?
I'm a firm believer that Placer County needs to start pruning the fat. And it needs to begin at the TOP of the tree.
Observer
It looks like the league is still around. I have been meaning to join I just never got past printing out the form.
THE LEAGUE OF PLACER COUNTY TAX PAYERS
League of Placer County Taxpayers
PO BOX 4899
Auburn, CA 95604-4899
info@placertaxpayers.org
http://www.placertaxpayers.org/
CA04_Voter,
Nice work. Hopefully a good number of people will look into this story and sniff out the real culprits.
For god's sake, there are programs throughout this county being cut or reduced, and still these clowns get a raise? Someone is seriously out of touch with reality!!
It's sorta laughable that there are people living in this county who believe we need to "pay more in taxes". They tell us that Republicans are obstructionists for holding to a "no new taxes" position.
This story is just the most recent, the most obvious reason their "raise taxes" argument is obsurd! If we give them more money to waste, what's in it for the taxpayer? Another screwing!
I didn't make this clear above.......I'm not against paying our county employees a wage that's equal to their peers or the equivalent of private work.
I'm appalled that these people are getting these raises during this scorched-earth economic era!
"Merit raise", The whole country is going broke and the Supervisors go along with this charade. Merit is supposed to mean you have achieved something above and beyond expectations. I'll have to guess layoffs and furloughs of the actual workers are considered meritorious. Might "Bee" that we consider the administrators drones and kick them out of the hive.
Thanks for all the information. I too should apply with the Taxpayers League.
Stay tuned for more of the same news....you haven't seen anything yet!!!!! Some members of the BOS know what I mean!
Wrong, Wrong, Wrong ! Call in the GRAND JURY ! Not in their right minds ! Vote out all incumbents who support this action ! Big Lonnie
OK folks, look at the reports on the BOS site, all but two are "step increases" which is the normal process in the county...five steps of pay, generally go up one a year. It is the same system used throughout the county, but at this level it is has to go to the Board.. The other two are "merit" or "longevity pay" an extra amount given for extended years of service. If they had been done individually week to week, not one would have ever noticed. Which raises my question, why didn't they do it that way? Now I am wondering if some type of freeze will go into effect and mess up the regular employees.
Seems very disingenuous when Miller tells county employees that times are so tough that they need to cut employee salaries and cut/slash the budget for public safety. Then turn around and give themselves raises. That's not the worst part. The worst part is HOW MUCH THEY MAKE! Next time the sheriff's department response time is greater to your 911 call because their budget is cut once again, or the next time a thief isn't prosecuted for stealing your property because the DA is "has to do more with less", remember this, Miller and Colwell got a raise! Guess how they paid for it? Don't you fell better already?
Sine the CEO has shown NO leadership abilities and lead by example, perhaps the Supervisors can show some real leadership and replace Miller and Colwell. Wait and see.
The grand jury needs to investigate Placer County as well as the City of Roseville managment. This is basicly theft of public funds.
Taumas-Readers, Sorry about the error, it was Trinity County - not - Tahama County where Miller was investigated by G. J. The County will provide a copy of the report if you send them postage. Perhaps you can get the report on line, I have not checked but was able to obtain a copy from a friend. Pull "Redding Record Searchlight", July 20, 1992, Section: News, Page A:14, Weaverville - "The head of Trinity County's transportation and public works department has resigned....Miller was blasted in a Trinity County Grand Jury report issued earlier this year that criticized his management sytle".
Google Miller and you will find Nevada County Board actions re Darkhorse. One site that did not mention Miller but was informative as to the problems they are having is YubaNet.com. Search Dark Horse and read their article of Oct. 30, 2008. Miller’s leadership is costing Nevada County plenty. The question of why Nevada County allowed a project of that size to go through without an EIR is unbelievable. And the reason a developer must provide assurances that all the utilities and other necessities for a subdivision are met is to prevent just these kinds of problems. An employee at Nevada County told me that Miller had several of the conditions pulled off the list, benefiting the developer, and pushed for no EIR.
The Placer county CEO is just like the Roseville City Manager, rake in the money "let them eat cake!!!!!!'
I would like to thank you all for your zealot views. We must stay focused on our future and invest our resources in my purest, brightest and best followers to lead you. I expect much from each and every worker and each of you should apreciate the fact you are allowed to work during these dark times. Let us all gather at the BBQ and enjoy the swine. After you have enjoyed my presense and feasted , any who still has concerns of the Placer Reichs actions are welcome to load onto the white busses. The busses will travel in train formation to the D Ave showers where all will, once and for all, understand how much I care.
My good friend Colwell-Himmler will be there looking for the best candidates to fill seats in RipennDemoneyoffwaffes (RDA'a) . Those who will ask no questions and perform admirablly will fill the empty seats of those who wished to speak.
hiel Miller!!! zieg hiel!!!!!
Realist: Placer County Court system is separate from county coffers. They are an entity unto themselves. The separation happened about 2-3 years ago.
I am outraged... they make more in on hour than I do in one day! Need I say more?
Richard E. Buckman, Veteran Services Officer, $39.92 per hour, retroactive to May 9; Annual salary $83,033.60
- Richard E. Colwell, Chief Assistant CEO, $116.89 per hour to include longevity retroactive to June 20; Annual salary $243,131.20
- Maryellen Peters, Deputy County Executive Officer, $67.03 per hour, retroactive to March 14; Annual salary $139,422.40
- Nicole C. Howard, Managing Accountant Auditor, $51.30 per hour, retroactive to June 20;
- Brett Holt, Deputy County Counsel III, $56.61 retroactive to June 20; Annual salary $117,748.80
- Michael Lombardo, Assistant Client Services Program Director, $52.31 per hour, retroactive to April 11;Annual salary $108,804.80
- Stephen G. Pecor, Chief Probation Officer, $76.48 per hour which includes longevity, effective July 4;Annual salary $159,078.40
What do these individual really accomplish? "Assistant Client Services Program Director" What department? It appears many of the jobs are dupicitious and either could be combined or done away with.
Saw Tom Miller on the news the other night, unbelievable!!! He has no problem with the rank and files taking cuts in COLA raises and taking furlough days to save money and then turns around and says because of these cost saving moves they were able to give his buddies raises!! Is he stupid or does he just not care?! I wonder if he is married and has children.. If so I feel for them... The man is heartless.
Pollywog, actually the District Attorney is still fully funded by the county. Their budget was cut this year too. The judge and court itself is only paid for by the state. Not the whole system.
I have a bachelors degree and management experience, I'll work any of those jobs for $20 an hour! lol
How long will we all stand by and let this crap happen? I wish we could march into their office and throw every one of them out. Let's not let this information slip away in the next elections. These people in our county and state governments need to be replaced, ASAP!