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here's something you haven't seen in the timesdaily: the upcoming budget for the city of Florence, there is a request for a 3% across the board increase in salary for all employees. the council will approve this budget in a few weeks.

i haven't had a raise in years! i wont get one until my company starts growing again. why the heck are city employess any different? is the city now just wallering in so much money that they don't know what do do with it? i have an idea, how about a tax decrease for the working families here?

fact: there is no a single full time city employee that is making less than the equivalent (including benefits) of 30 grand a year. far more than the average pay for this area.

as long as we have 10% unemployment in this area, the city needs to do the right thing and freeze raises for all employees.
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Do your homework before u speak please. We have not had a raise in 3 years. Not to speak we are the lowest paid cities per capita in the southeast. Let me guess you dont worry when you get a raise and your next door neighbor doesnt? SOme of you people amaze me. The general budget has nothing to do with the other fighting problems in this city. Some people are angry at there job so they think others should be miserable too.. Boy doesnt this just seem like the American way!
Oh yea I failed to mention that The City Of Florence has more money in reserves then any other City in North Alabama. Cites are not for profit. So in other words if you have the money for the raises, givem.. Oh yea since we are on the subject every single Dept in the City had to cut 25000.00 Dollars from their budget to be able to get raises.. So please tell the whole story. Never mind you dont know the whole story!
As far as I'm concerned, they need to use the city's raise money to hire another person or two in customer service at Florence Utilities. I can feel my hair growing while I'm on hold over there. I guess since they cut money from their budget it's going to get worse now, huh? Now I guess I can have time to get a haircut too after my hair grows while I hold. Roll Eyes
quote:
Oh yea I failed to mention that The City Of Florence has more money in reserves then any other City in North Alabama. Cites are not for profit. So in other words if you have the money for the raises, givem..


"givem" BACK TO THE TAXPAYERS in the form of lower sales taxes, no tax on groceries. less gas tax.

cry me a river. you are lucky to ahve a job that pays the incredible salaries and benefits you make here.

show me some evidence for you assertion that CoF employees are paid lowest in the southeast? after that, i'll show you that we enjoy one of the lowest cost of living in the nation so your 30k you make here is their equivalent of 50 to even 70k in some cities.

no, you do not deserve a raise right now. not while there are so many families suffering because of the inept leadership demonstrated by the lack of economic development in this area.

you shouldn't get a raise until the citizens get a raise!
Also, they might consider using the money to offset the increases in the utility bills for city residents or better yet, be a little more understanding about people needing to make payment arrangements and not disconnecting service so quickly. Their idea of payment arrangements for someone having a hard time financially, instead of letting someone break up a bill and add it to future bils for the next couple of months, is to refer them to the nearest church for a $ handout to go towards the bill. Shameful.
quote:
We have not had a raise in 3 years.


In the last 3 years, unemployment has doubled. Real wages are falling in the private sector, you know the private sector, the people who fund the public sector's paychecks.

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Some people are angry at there job so they think others should be miserable too.


Some people would be happy to have YOUR job, and probably for less than you make.

quote:
The City Of Florence has more money in reserves then any other City in North Alabama. Cites are not for profit. So in other words if you have the money for the raises, givem


At a time like this, if the city has extra money, it should go to a tax reduction and nothing else. If they sell this stupid golf course, it should go back to the citizens as well.

quote:
every single Dept in the City had to cut 25000.00 Dollars from their budget to be able to get raises.


Oh, I see. The departments had room in the budget for cuts, but didn't make those cuts until it was discovered that they could be used for their own personal benefit. That's fine leadership we have.
quote:
Originally posted by BamaBoss:
Do your homework before u speak please. We have not had a raise in 3 years. Not to speak we are the lowest paid cities per capita in the southeast. Let me guess you dont worry when you get a raise and your next door neighbor doesnt? SOme of you people amaze me. The general budget has nothing to do with the other fighting problems in this city. Some people are angry at there job so they think others should be miserable too.. Boy doesnt this just seem like the American way!



Put on your reading comprehension hat. NO ONE has gotten raises in 3 years and private industry employees don't have the retirement and good insurance you have. In addition, we work well over 40 hours per week (for what are also comparatively low salaries)and don't get a lunch break (or any kind of break for that matter). And some of us get part of our compensation as profit sharing so we have actually seen a pay DECREASE.

By the way, I used to be the Finance Director for a very large government agency, the general fund has EVERYTHING to do with it.
I do have a say in this matter, besides, your 3% raise means less money I take home. Just a friendly reminder, you work for me, the tax payer, I don't work for you! If the City can afford to pay $2.2m for a golf course and 10 months later sell it for $1.2m, then I would say that Mayor Irons gave your 3% raise to his sweetheart.
quote:
Originally posted by MOBY:
quote:
Originally posted by BamaBoss:
Do your homework before u speak please. We have not had a raise in 3 years. Not to speak we are the lowest paid cities per capita in the southeast. Let me guess you dont worry when you get a raise and your next door neighbor doesnt? SOme of you people amaze me. The general budget has nothing to do with the other fighting problems in this city. Some people are angry at there job so they think others should be miserable too.. Boy doesnt this just seem like the American way!



Put on your reading comprehension hat. NO ONE has gotten raises in 3 years and private industry employees don't have the retirement and good insurance you have. In addition, we work well over 40 hours per week (for what are also comparatively low salaries)and don't get a lunch break (or any kind of break for that matter). And some of us get part of our compensation as profit sharing so we have actually seen a pay DECREASE.

By the way, I used to be the Finance Director for a very large government agency, the general fund has EVERYTHING to do with it.


Well Since you used to be a finance director makes your reasoning even worse. Govt jobs have nothing to do with private sectors. Matter a fact why in this world would anyone wish someone to make less wages? Amazing to me that this is what people think. I worked in the public sector all of my life just like you. I always wanted raises and always was proud for what I got. Now that being said I was never upset to see another man better himself and get a raise even though I did not. I applied with a pool of applicants just like you can. These jobs are available every year. Go and apply who knows you might land one. Somehow I think if you do and u get a raise you will look at it from a different stand point. Also would like to include that the electricity Dept alone is not paid from the GENERAL FUND. Just for those complaining about their rates.The more wages people make in this community the more it helps the private sector ie.. Retail sales,etc...
quote:
Originally posted by Splo:
I do have a say in this matter, besides, your 3% raise means less money I take home. Just a friendly reminder, you work for me, the tax payer, I don't work for you! If the City can afford to pay $2.2m for a golf course and 10 months later sell it for $1.2m, then I would say that Mayor Irons gave your 3% raise to his sweetheart.


I dont work for you alone ... I work for you, me, and my community. Again it amazing at the animosity u hold toward your city workers.By the way I love my job and would love it just as much and work just as hard even if there was never another raise. Also wonder why you would want them to work for less? Why hire people,train them,put them on the job qualified to only lose them to another City. I am a taxpayer too. Do you think that I live taxfree Mr. Taxpayer?
quote:
Originally posted by dolemitejb:
quote:
We have not had a raise in 3 years.


In the last 3 years, unemployment has doubled. Real wages are falling in the private sector, you know the private sector, the people who fund the public sector's paychecks.


Would also like to agree with you that the private sector does pay for the public sector. This City is one of the largest employers in this area,which means that these workers will in turn put more money back into the private sectors too. The old saying that is how the world goes round. Good Day!


Also would like to reply to your post on the private sector pays for the public sector. That is a true statement. Now one of the largest employers in this area is this City. Where do u think most of the money put back in this community comes from? It is full circle. While I dont argue your point I will finish your thought.

quote:
Some people are angry at there job so they think others should be miserable too.


Some people would be happy to have YOUR job, and probably for less than you make.

quote:
The City Of Florence has more money in reserves then any other City in North Alabama. Cites are not for profit. So in other words if you have the money for the raises, givem


At a time like this, if the city has extra money, it should go to a tax reduction and nothing else. If they sell this stupid golf course, it should go back to the citizens as well.

quote:
every single Dept in the City had to cut 25000.00 Dollars from their budget to be able to get raises.


Oh, I see. The departments had room in the budget for cuts, but didn't make those cuts until it was discovered that they could be used for their own personal benefit. That's fine leadership we have.


To the Quote "Some People would love to have my job". Sir or Maam I know this, that is why Hundreds apply for it every year and guess what the qualified ones get a job. This being said I will gladly tell you how to apply. I love my job and will retire there if the good lord allows me to. I also promise you as a taxpayer will get an honest days work from me until the day I retire.
Last edited by BamaBoss
quote:
Originally posted by AtticFeline:
As far as I'm concerned, they need to use the city's raise money to hire another person or two in customer service at Florence Utilities. I can feel my hair growing while I'm on hold over there. I guess since they cut money from their budget it's going to get worse now, huh? Now I guess I can have time to get a haircut too after my hair grows while I hold. Roll Eyes


LOL.. I agree with you. If it makes it any better while we are talking about raises. The Electricity Dept. is not paid from the Cities General fund. I think sometimes people forget that Florence Electricity Dept does not just serve the Citizens of Florence . They serve the whole County and have their own budget .
quote:
Originally posted by AtticFeline:
Also, they might consider using the money to offset the increases in the utility bills for city residents or better yet, be a little more understanding about people needing to make payment arrangements and not disconnecting service so quickly. Their idea of payment arrangements for someone having a hard time financially, instead of letting someone break up a bill and add it to future bils for the next couple of months, is to refer them to the nearest church for a $ handout to go towards the bill. Shameful.


Do you think that I dont have high bills too??? There again I live here just like you do and pay the bills just like you do? Just so happens the way I make my wages are that I work for this City. When I come into your establishment I may think that something is too much money but I dont think ... well this is not right for this person to make this much money. By the way I hate to pay my utility bill as much as anybody else, just ask my wife..LOL
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Originally posted by Unobtanium:
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Originally posted by Ronnie P.:
Raises right now would be sort of delusional.


and inevitable, im afraid. the mayor is pushing for it, no council member will dare reject these raises for fear of retaliation. lets collectively bend over and take it, shall we?


So... Would you rather someone give a days labor to our govt to recieve a check or ... Would you rather someone sit home and draw a check from the govt?
BamaBoss-

To summarize, I have never said that city employees don't contribute to the community or the tax base. I haven't said they were unqualified for their jobs. I haven't said any of the things you're for which you are putting up a defense.

You became defensive at the suggestion that government employees shouldn't be getting raises. They shouldn't. Tax payer money should go to nothing other than relief to tax payers.
quote:
Originally posted by dolemitejb:
You became defensive at the suggestion that government employees shouldn't be getting raises. They shouldn't. Tax payer money should go to nothing other than relief to tax payers.


Are you saying public employees should never get a raise? No purchase of new equipment or infrastructure improvement?
Ok, the statement that city employees should never get raises is crazy. If this were the case the city would have no employees. I mean who would want a job where you go in and are told "well sir/ma'am just know by taking this job you will never make more than this amount and if you get promoted you will not receive a pay raise" I mean this is what it is about making money to support your family. Raises are common place in EVERY job in America. Just because you don't get one for a few years doesn't mean you don't want one or deserve one.I say give them the 3% cost of living raise, no matter who they work for.
wrong.. you must be on the government dole.. they burned all the old people for their SS raise last year and they are doing it again this year.. last year they gave themselves 40% raises and increased benefit packages.. no raises for anybody who takes a government check, fed, state, local.. it's only fair


quote:
Originally posted by FLO50:
Ok, the statement that city employees should never get raises is crazy. If this were the case the city would have no employees. I mean who would want a job where you go in and are told "well sir/ma'am just know by taking this job you will never make more than this amount and if you get promoted you will not receive a pay raise" I mean this is what it is about making money to support your family. Raises are common place in EVERY job in America. Just because you don't get one for a few years doesn't mean you don't want one or deserve one.I say give them the 3% cost of living raise, no matter who they work for.
quote:
Originally posted by martyr:
wrong.. you must be on the government dole.. they burned all the old people for their SS raise last year and they are doing it again this year.. last year they gave themselves 40% raises and increased benefit packages.. no raises for anybody who takes a government check, fed, state, local.. it's only fair


Since you keep bringing it up, what does local government have to do with federal social security?

Anyhow, in a lot of places a 2-3% raise is a typical cost of living increase. Now, unless your beef is that city employees are getting this on top of a living increase, or gotten raises recently (let's say for the argument the past 3 years) then I don't see a problem for a one time raise, especially when that person can go 75 miles to Huntsville and make 6.1% more for the same job.

some people are acting like it's Bell, California where people were getting millions for part-time work. Things are looking better, despite the fact that you haven't felt it. Heck, some people didn't feel it when the 02 recession finally let up. Some of that isn't all the government's fault either, we all have some blame in our mess.
pay raises for city jobs just like any other gov job is tied to the COL index.. we are in a recession hence no pay raises are justified this year,, across the board.. may explain why they all gave themselves big raises a couple years ago.. they knew

lol.. like there are jobs available in Huntsville.. most city employees are leeches anyhow.. driving around, using up city gas.. never really doing anything.. don't try and deny it.. I see them all the time


quote:
Originally posted by ryokurin:
quote:
Originally posted by martyr:
wrong.. you must be on the government dole.. they burned all the old people for their SS raise last year and they are doing it again this year.. last year they gave themselves 40% raises and increased benefit packages.. no raises for anybody who takes a government check, fed, state, local.. it's only fair


Since you keep bringing it up, what does local government have to do with federal social security?

Anyhow, in a lot of places a 2-3% raise is a typical cost of living increase. Now, unless your beef is that city employees are getting this on top of a living increase, or gotten raises recently (let's say for the argument the past 3 years) then I don't see a problem for a one time raise, especially when that person can go 75 miles to Huntsville and make 6.1% more for the same job.

some people are acting like it's Bell, California where people were getting millions for part-time work. Things are looking better, despite the fact that you haven't felt it. Heck, some people didn't feel it when the 02 recession finally let up. Some of that isn't all the government's fault either, we all have some blame in our mess.
Go to a counsel meeting and see if revenue is down or if they have to dip into reserves for basic functions. Everyone wasn't adversely affected by the recession (which if you haven't heard was viewed as over by some in June 09) Maybe they are doing better than they expected, as a lot of cities did defy the odds last year. I live in a different area but I got my COL increase last year and expect to this year as well. Huntsville I know definitely weathered the downturn well.

Anyhow, I hear what you are saying, but at the same time, the thought that government should only tax just enough to pay it's bills is frankly juvenile and is a big reason why a lot of cities ran into trouble during the downturn. You have to have a buffer, be it for acts of god, economic downturns or whatever. I'm not saying that they should have millions upon millions in the bank but enough if the worst happens. Have you looked to see what type of surplus they have, and why do you think it's excessive?
Let's be blunt:

I've always found it funny that people really think they have a voice. You're gonna pay taxes and/or be a tax payer anywhere you go. If a city, state or fed agency wants to give out raises you can disagree with it until your head pops but they're still going to give the raises. It's also funny when people yell out "You work for me Mr. City Worker Man! I pay your salary!" Honestly, does anyone give a ****? There has to be local, State and Federal Government and if you haven't figured out by now things are done the way they see fit. I don't care if Sara Lee, Walmart, City of Florence or anybody else gets a raise...just start providing more jobs!!
Last edited by dntblnk
quote:
Originally posted by JJ:
quote:
Originally posted by dolemitejb:
You became defensive at the suggestion that government employees shouldn't be getting raises. They shouldn't. Tax payer money should go to nothing other than relief to tax payers.


Are you saying public employees should never get a raise? No purchase of new equipment or infrastructure improvement?


of course not. id certainly be ok with performance raises. but to give an ACROSS THE BOARD rais to all city employees when the local population is suffering and the schools are cutting left and right is.... just immoral.
quote:
Originally posted by FLO50:
Ok, the statement that city employees should never get raises is crazy. If this were the case the city would have no employees. I mean who would want a job where you go in and are told "well sir/ma'am just know by taking this job you will never make more than this amount and if you get promoted you will not receive a pay raise" I mean this is what it is about making money to support your family. Raises are common place in EVERY job in America. Just because you don't get one for a few years doesn't mean you don't want one or deserve one.I say give them the 3% cost of living raise, no matter who they work for.


No one has said never get a raise, just not one now. My company stopped annual raises until the economy improves.
Let me say that I'm in full support of hard working city employees getting raises for meeting and/or exceeding performance goals. I'm also in support of employees receiving raises to compensate for a cost of living increase.

I do have a problem however with the way that some (certainly not all) of our city employees are managed and behave on the job. I would estimate that at least 75% of the time that I drive by a water department or gas department worksite I see either no one working or one person working and three watching. I observed last year when city employees spent two weeks "working" across the street from me. Part of the time the crew napped. Part of the time they sat around chatting. One guy would dig a hole and then they would sit and chat some more. I had the tree trimming crew clearing lines behind my house last year. They'd work for half a day and spend the other half sitting in their trucks.

Where is the accountability for their performance?
Last edited by Music Guy
BamaBoss


Oh yea I failed to mention that The City Of Florence has more money in reserves then any other City in North Alabama. Cites are not for profit. So in other words if you have the money for the raises, givem.. Oh yea since we are on the subject every single Dept in the City had to cut 25000.00 Dollars from their budget to be able to get raises.. So please tell the whole story. Never mind you dont know the whole story!


Please tell me your kidding. The Depts. that my tax dollars go to are CUTTING SERVICES in order to give themselves a pay raise. If they can do this and operate then they have been over paid in the beginning. Cut my taxes. I could usethe money myself.
Since you know what City employees are doing riding around, I assume you must be (1 unemployed, or (2 one of those private employees that is using company time to ride around and see what others are doing. Where can I get an applicaton? Roll Eyes



quote:
Originally posted by martyr:
pay raises for city jobs just like any other gov job is tied to the COL index.. we are in a recession hence no pay raises are justified this year,, across the board.. may explain why they all gave themselves big raises a couple years ago.. they knew

lol.. like there are jobs available in Huntsville.. most city employees are leeches anyhow.. driving around, using up city gas.. never really doing anything.. don't try and deny it.. I see them all the time


quote:
Originally posted by ryokurin:
quote:
Originally posted by martyr:
wrong.. you must be on the government dole.. they burned all the old people for their SS raise last year and they are doing it again this year.. last year they gave themselves 40% raises and increased benefit packages.. no raises for anybody who takes a government check, fed, state, local.. it's only fair


Since you keep bringing it up, what does local government have to do with federal social security?

Anyhow, in a lot of places a 2-3% raise is a typical cost of living increase. Now, unless your beef is that city employees are getting this on top of a living increase, or gotten raises recently (let's say for the argument the past 3 years) then I don't see a problem for a one time raise, especially when that person can go 75 miles to Huntsville and make 6.1% more for the same job.

some people are acting like it's Bell, California where people were getting millions for part-time work. Things are looking better, despite the fact that you haven't felt it. Heck, some people didn't feel it when the 02 recession finally let up. Some of that isn't all the government's fault either, we all have some blame in our mess.

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