7/23/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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R Administrator Chandler confirmed that clause was in his contract. Commissioner Eggert clarified that these two employees are different. They are not on any of the maximum or minimum grades but both have salaries which are above our top grade as it stands now. Commissioner Eggert felt it would be appropriate to have the same wording in both contracts. She did not agree with the County Attorney that this is a cap on his salary. In her opinion there is a point beyond which the salary of any job description cannot go and, in this situation, we can go up on cost of living forever. Commissioner Scurlock asked for clarification. Commissioner Eggert agreed there would be a salary cap which would be adjusted, if the need arises, as opposed to automatic cost -of -living percentage increases. County Attorney Vitunac believed, in true economics, his salary buys a certain basket of goods and all he wanted is to have the ability to buy the same basket of goods; that is the cap. Most County department heads' salaries are at a cap now and each year the Board decides whether and how much that cap should be raised by the cost of living. Even if there is no inflation and the Board decides on a zero cost of living increase, that is appropriate and that is all he asked for. When world affairs indicate a ten percent rate of inflation and the Board decides to give a three percent cost -of -living increase, he hoped to be treated the same as department heads. Attorney Vitunac stated he would not have another raise in his career with the County. He further differentiated his employment and that of Administrator Chandler from the other employees in that they do not have the protection of civil service and can be fired at the will of the Board of County Commissioners. Even with the contract as he recommended it, the Board can terminate him every July; it does not last forever. Commissioner Scurlock pointed out that Attorney Vitunac's statements likening himself to Administrator Chandler are not totally accurate because the negotiated terms under which he could be dismissed include 150 days of pay as well as some other things. Attorney Vitunac agreed and added that those conditions were negotiated prior to his employment because, if he were terminated, he would need that security to go out and start a legal practice. Commissioner Scurlock stated he would like to see consistency in the contracts of the Administrator, the County Attorney and the Administrative Assistant. These three individuals work directly for the Board of County Commissioners which is different from the regular department head responsibilities. He, therefore, supports Commissioner Eggert's position. 37