Employee Comments
posted by Joe at 6/20/2009 02:12:00 PM
The County Line
I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CHECK THE BLOG ALL THE TIME SO FEEL FREE TO DISCUSS ISSUES AMONG YOURSELVES AS WELL. PROFANITY AND PERSONAL ATTACKS WILL BE DELETED. THANKS!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
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85 Comments:
I guess I'm not understanding the issue. Is it geting the camera's themselves or accessories later or none of the above?
Regarding your estimate of PFP being an average of 3%, please explain to me how 3% is PFP and not just a cost of living increase as in the past. It seems even you find PFP ambiguous, as do we all. If each department has their PFP budget, how can you even consider an average? It did take a lot of work to get PFP, however, it does not and will not work with averages being thrown around.
A cost of living increase would be in addition to PFP. I beleive last year we had a 1-2% cost of living, also known as market adjustments in addition to PFP.
This year because of the economy there are no market adjustments.
As far as PFP is concerned if a dep has a salary line item of $1 million. The court would approve $30,000 for pfp increases. What an individual receives is based upon their performance compared to their coworkers. Eventually you would ahve an average percentage.
Ask the employees before the court decides to pay for a chaplain. I would not use a chaplain that is paid by the county.
In reference to hiring a chaplin for Collin County. I feel you need to ask the employees and see how they feel about it and if at all they would use the service. Couldn't the $160,000 be better used for helping supplement the insurance cost to people that would like to retire. I know the money could be better used elsewhere. Does the County have too much money that you need to see that it is spent?
How you hear of any issues the County employees have had that would warrant a chaplin. I know I would go to my pastor if I had any problems that I needed help with and not one that the County hired.
Check into the Collin County Ministerial Alliance. That is what they do and could be used on an as needed basis.
I hear you. We are not going to hire a chaplain service for all county employees. I made a motion that two commissioners would visit with the SO to see if their employees would want to be part of a test program on condition that the cost (approx. $40,000) be cut somewhere else from the budget.
I thought it sounded reasonable at the time but now I'm having concerns about the costs, what would be cut and then there is the separation of church and state issue.
How hard would it be to ask the test employees if they would use them BEFORE spending the taxpayers 40,000 dollars?
Probably pretty hard, I think we would be better off just letting it go. With the economy and rough couple of budget years ahead we really need to watch our spending.
How long would it be before someone sued the county citing that the hiring of a chaplin is a violation of the seperation of church and state "law". The county is asking for trouble here... the next thing you know someone will want the county to hire someone for all religions, let it go.. .
I think I did.
If I read the TCDRS regulations correctly, the county can only reduce their contribution in 5% annual intervals? That being $12.50. So is the hearing tomorrow to discuss reducing the county's matching contributions? And what does it mean when the TCDRS says "Now, matching increases may be made as forward-only increases"?
Please respond to this as soon as possible. We were only informed today of the hearing tomorrow and there is virtually no time to prepare. Thanks.
Not specifically to discuss reductions but the whole program is open to discussion.
I'll have to check into the 5% annual intervals and the forward-only increases.
Joe, whatever is brought up in the meeting tomorrow please stand up for the employees retirement. If certain members of the court want to reduce the county's contribution I feel that it should only go into effect for newly hired employees after the court makes the decision. Reducing the matching for someone who has been employed for years and who is figuring that into retirement would just be wrong. We all hired in knowing what the county would match and it would not be right or fair to take away that away from us. Again if anything has to happen, it should only affect employees hired after this decision. Everyone knows who will be pushing to reduce the contributions... the new members of the court, and the one who is already drawing a federal government retirement check.
"Reducing the matching for someone who has been employed for years and who is figuring that into retirement would just be wrong."
There was a law recently passed that states that retirement cannot be reduced up to a certain point. Basically, if you paid in x amount and the county matches 250% but later reduces that amount to 225%, you still get 250% up to the date it changes. Any contributions after that will be at the new rate.
So any plans you had for the money at 250% matching, should still be good. Maybe Joe can find that new state law. I'll post it if I find it first.
Joe,
Great site! Thanks for once again treating Collin County employees with respect and giving us an open forum to voice our opinions. I would like to ask you if there has ever been any discussion regarding retiree health insurance premiums and the county reducing the rate from $735 a month for retirees to something that is more affordable? I know that there are many that would love to retire but they can't because of the insurance being so expensive. My logic is that if the county would reduce the premium for retirees, many long time employees could and would retire. The savings on higher salaries and longevity versus new hires with a much lower salary and no longevity should in the long run be less expensive for the county. As it is now, the county contributes $640.46 monthly for an employees health insurance. Seems that they could continue contributing a portion based on years of service for employees. I realize that this is done when someone reached 65, but it would certainly be beneficial to retirees that are younger than 65. One other thing...not all employees are on PFP as one person mentioned. I'm not and have never been and I'm a full-time employee. I'm not sure why I'm not to be quite honest.
This is for Dr. W. in CA. Joe is by far NOT the only conservative in Texas. We have many more conservative here in Texas than just Joe.
Joe
Thank you for standing by the rank and file. I understand we are in a bad economy but people tend to forget county employees are taxpayers too. My own family was touched by unemployment this year for 7 months. I had to take any extra work and sell off some of my possessions I could to continue to make my mortgage payments. We aren't just the "masses" we are families just like the rest of the taxpayers in the county. The taxpayer can count on me to show up and do my job on Christmas or Thanksgiving, when they are home with their families. My children have celebrated many holidays on different days because I had to work or work overtime on a holiday. I'm not complaining. That's what I signed up for. It's one thing for someone who makes $100,000 a year not to take a pay increase , but most of us don't make that kind of money. Yet we still come to work everyday and serve the citizens of Collin County because we love what we do. Why should we be penalized for serving others? Please put faces with the names, know the people who are out there working to keep Collin County safe...everyday..in every weather...with a servant's heart, so you and all others can be safe.
Thank you Joe.
I think it is important that someone, anyone, be told that Sheriff's Office (on the Detention side for sure) employees and supervisors are being told to rate themselves and their employees on PFP at a 2 no matter what because the PFP system "isn't fair." So that means those who worked hard and excelled last year will get exactly the same rating as someone who perhaps is on the verge of termination. How in the world is that fair?
The SO is trying to prove something to Cynthia by completely ignoring the way the system is meant to work. Does it create more work for supervisors and employees? Yes it does, without a doubt. But in what convoluted way of thinking does it make sense to penalize your top performers and placate the slackers? This is ridiculous.
All that will come of this is that a staff of mediocre or below employees is being created. Why would anyone want to do their best if they are being treated as if they aren't?
Joe,
Has the commissioners court ever considered the benefit of a CPO, car per officer, program? Right now, the patrol cars are run 24/7 with an average lifespan of one year.
Departments with a CPO program are getting four to five years out of each assigned car. Their officers treat the car as if it were their own and are more accountable for it's maintenance and upkeep.
Officers are also able to keep their equipment in their cars, instead of lugging around heavy duty-bags, shotguns, rifles, ammunition etc. from car to car.
CPO also puts more deputies on the street and allows for flexible scheduling to meet community needs. During disasters, man made or natural, deputies can be called out to respond quickly because they have their cars and equipment ready to go.
I would like the commissioners court to take an interest in the CPO program. In addition to the above benefits, it would save the county money in replacement vehicles purchased every year and would be a great PR tool in putting police presence in the community.
As an alternative, or addition, I would like the court to consider a lease program where a deputy could purchase their own patrol vehicle and lease it back to the county while receiving a car allowance.
I know the perception of a CPO program is that it only benefits the employee, but if you look at the economic and logistical benefit to the county and PR potential, I think you would see that the county would come out ahead.
Thank you for providing this forum for CC employees.
Give me a call, I would like to talk more about this. Would also be interested in seeing some numbers and who else does this.
Thanks,
Joe
Commissioner Jaynes:
What, if anything, has Collin County done to prepare for the evential passing of HB413, the Federal Employer-Employee Cooperation Act?
Joe, I do not know if the poster ever contacted you about the "CPO" program or not, but you might look at our neighbors to the west in Denton County. All of their deputies have take home vehicles and have for some time. Thanks
Here is a link to an agency that has take home cars:
http://police.ci.lubbock.tx.us/recruiting/fleet_car_program.htm
Even if that bill passed, it would be watered down and it would take years to implement. Aside from that, what's wrong with giving county deputies some control over their workplace and conditions? A little support for deputies now may pay dividends when dealing with them under Civil Service next year.
Joe-
It is my understanding that Keith Self is wanting to cut the amount of retirement that the County deposites. Is this true and do you think he has the support of the rest of the Court?
Thank You Joe for your kind words. I am watching you all on pod cast.
I am talking about the May 10 2010 podcast of the meeting. Time frame 00:58 - 1:30 approx. I will pass this along to my co workers.
It's about $132 million. Rule of thumb is to use 25% for bonds etc. I would like to use 50% just to be on the safe side. That would leave about $65 million or so.
The results are still be tabulated. Will post as soon as I have them.
Joe, the recent email Keith Self sent out to his supporters is very disturbing, to say the least. As county employees, nay, dedicated county employees, we've taken hit after hit after hit on our pay, raises (PFP), hiring freeze, benefits, position vacancies not being filled and the lack of needed equipment, supplies and manpower.
Now, it is my understanding that Keith Self wants to cancel Collin County's membership in TCDRS and replace it with a 457(b) plan. He is proposing this idea on Monday with absolutely no forewarning to, or input from, employees.
His plan provides no immediate savings to the county and in fact, may end up costing the county even more than the proposed savings.
Collin County will become a less than desirable place to work, actually, it's already well down that road. Skilled and educated employees won't give this place a second look when other counties and cities offer much more desirable benefits. Good employees will leave and the cost of hiring, training and liability will increase.
If his proposal passes and becomes our new retirement, then I will submit my two week notice to the court itself. I'm tired of food being taken off my table and I am not alone. I've never seen moral so low.
I appreciate the fact that you try and stand by employees and have our best interest at heart. Hopefully you are against his plan and can thwart its passage.
Commissioner Jaynes:
I would like to take a moment to commend you for speaking up on the behalf of Collin County employees at today's Commissioners Court session. County Judge Self tried to make an argument against the County employees' TCDRS retirement and possible pay raises.
I think one of the biggest points you made is the one that rings the truest; Collin County is a government entity and not a private business. For some reason Keith Self and Commissioner Shaheen cannot come to terms with this. It's either that or they just don't want to believe it.
The purpose of a business is to make a profit. Dollars and cents are the bottom line. Government provides and protects citizens. The bottom line with government is service and safety.
Something else that Keith Self failed to mention about the TCDRS retirement system is that the County does not pay the 2.5 times matching retirement until an employee reaches 8 years of service with the County. Most government entities only require 5 years of service.
Furthermore, if an employee leaves his job prior to the 8 year mark, the County receives all of it's contributions back. With the 10% employee turn over rate it would appear that the County is getting a lot of it's matching retirement funds back.
One final note I would like to thank youf or is bringing up the median salary of a County employee versus the typical citizen of Collin County. I'm sure that the County employee median salary of $48,000.00 + the TCDRS retirement equals close to the same of the Collin County private citizen median salary of $71,000.00 + 401k retirement. The bottom line is called "total compensation" and the private sector leads in salary over government everytime.
You also brought up an excellent point in the fact that approximately 1/3 of all Collin County employees work for a county law enforcement agency and that there isn't a private sector equivilant to these positions. So, comparing these employees to the private sector really is comparing apples to oranges.
I wish to also express my concern over the attitudes shown by Keith Self and Commission Shaheen in regards to the law concerning a County's inability to leave TCDRS one it joins. Apparently they believe it is alright to advocate using County resources to change this law.
I am a Collin County citizen and tax payer. There are over 250 counties in Texas. Most if not all have enrolled into TCDRS for their employees. I fail to see enough support coming from the other Texas county governments to support such legislation. This has a tone of something similar to "I am above the law," only in this case is "let's change the law that benefits the many so it benefits the few or the one." In this case the one being Collin County.
Analyzing data from the U.S. Government's National Compensation Survey, their economists found that when factors such as education and work experience are taken into account, state and local employees earn less than their counterparts in the private sector. To be exact, state employees earn 11 percent less than comparable private sector workers. Employees of city and county governments earn 12 percent less than their private sector counterparts.
http://www.bls.gov/ncs/ocs/compub.htm
Again, thanks Commissioner Jaynes for supporting county employees!
With respect to the employee benefits that the judge spoke about...unless you compare private vs. public total compensation package you do not receive a clear comparable. Our benefits are wonderful and I certainly appreciate it but if HR were to spend some time doing a market BENEFITS AND SALARY comparison they would see that the total compensation package is still below the private sector. You cannot compare employee benefits unless you look at the total compensation package.
Also, the judge failed to mention what the $40,000 would be worth in 40 years at an average 3% cost of living increase. It would be close to $127-128K. What were the commissioners making 40 years ago? You cannot throw a number like that out there to the taxpayers without explaining that one must look at cost of living increases and what $40,000 would actually be worth in 40 years.
Joe, Did you vote for or against the reduction of the retirement match from 2.5 to 1 to 2 to 1?
I voted for it.
Well, I guess that does it. With PFP, I'll never be compensated for my years of experience and education. At least with a 2.50 retirement match, it made up for the lack of raises. Now my retirement is cut to 2, and will probably be reduced more as long as Self is in office. I get no certificate pay or specialty pay and my health care is next on the chopping block.
I'm done, there are other departments in the area who offer much better benefits and compensation, and I don't have to stress every year when budgeting rolls around.
And we thought you stood with the employee.
To say the Commissioner's Court budget meeting held on 8-17-2010 was a little confusing may be an understatement. In particular I reference the discussion dealing with the TCDRS employee retirement. I am guess that this is partly due in fact to the "fuzzy math" that Keith Self used to create his "unsecured debt monster" which allegedly looms over us all.
I support Commissioners Ward, Hoagland, and Jaynes for their No vote on reducing the County contribution to employee retirement from 2.5 to 1 to 1.5 to 1. I don't see how any reasonable person could support such a political move based on the optical illusion presented by Keith Self. Any argument based on fiction is a losing argument.
What I don't understand is why the Commissioners voted on reducing the County's contribution to employees' retirement with out first getting solid numbers and hard evidence. I don't recall seeing anyone from TCDRS addressing the Commissioners on this subject. I don't recall anyone obtaining accurate figures from TCDRS, with an exception coming from Sheriff Box who showed us an example what a TCDRS retirement really pays out to retirees. In spite of this the Commissioners still decided to vote on the subject.
To add insult to injury the Pay-For-Performance salary increase was set at 1%. For an average County employee making $40,000.00 a year, that equates to a gross increase of $400.00 or $15.38 a paycheck. The only thing that came out good from the discussion was that the truth on PFP was exposed. Simply put; PFP doesn't work.
If I am a department head or elected official with 10 employees and the Commissioners give me $10.00 to give in salary increases for PFP I have only a few choices:
1)Give all 10 employees a $1.00 raise or
2)Punish one or more of my employees to give someone more than a $1.00 raise.
The only way to reward someone whose work is considered better than average is to punish someone.
Also, as Sheriff Box pointed out, entry level employees will never top out under PFP. A person can work for Collin County for 30 years under PFP and never reach top-out pay. Throwing more money at the issue will never solve this.
Government agencies nationwide are one a step system. Most government employees around the nation top-out after 4 or 5 years of service. Now, an employee may not receive a pay-step increase due to a poor review, but they will most likely top-out before retiring. Not in Collin County.
So, as Collin County's Commissioners met in the County Administration building to decide the fate of it's employees' pay and benefits, a mile away in front of the McKinney Police Department our Deputies risked their lives to assist their fellow officers deal with a deranged gunman who held the city in fear for hours.
Look on the brightside: You'll have to work a few more years for those 1% pay increases before you can retire...or you can just apply with McKinney or Frisco PD. I hear they're hiring.
Joe,
Not much left to say here. I believe you already know most of the issues and I believe you have already passed them on to your colleagues. Just wanted to add that PFP does not phase me or most of my coworkers. We all know it's a joke and just an excuse to save money. It has not helped morale and to be truthful, it only made it worse. Oh sure, the new people are "on their toes" however after their first year they catch on and are part of the crowd. I myself have no drive to "please my supervisors." I could care less, just do my job and follow policy so I don't wind up on the street. I know for a fact most of us feel the same way. Collin County now has a big black eye from all the recent employee changes. I can promise the court that our taxpaying extended families are not too pleased, as well. I did the math with what has been proposed for the new PFP and healthcare, I will now be LOSING money in my paycheck for the SECOND year in a row, with the "raises" figured in. We have a voice in numbers and I don't want this county to suffer from staffing issues, low morale, and possible corruption (which could come about as a result of rock-bottom low morale); however I'm just an employee and I can't always get what I want. Thanks for your attempts to help us.
You are right. You do have a voice in numbers. That is why every county employee needs to be at the public hearings to make those voices heard.
Do not let any fear of retaliation stop you. That is so against the law. The first amendment gives you freedom of speech.
If you do not feel comfortable speaking at least come and fill out a blue card in support.
Your future is being debated...everyone needs to be there.
Joe
Joe,
No employee in his or her right mind will stand up in front of Commissioners Court to voice their opinion. We all know the only "number" that matters is "3" as in a 3-2 vote by Commissioners Court. The employees did everything they could to come up with ideas to help balance the budget. The Auditor's presentation several weeks ago showed the county is much better off financially than the "gloom and doom" propoganda we had been hearing. Instead, we were rewarded with a hit on our retirement, a 1% raise that will be non existent after the increase to our insurance AND we still have a PFP system that everyone other than Commissioners Court recognizes as a time and money draining JOKE! Then, to add insult to injury the tax rate is cut another 1/4 of a cent because we have too much money in reserve? All to save the average taxpayer $5.50 a year? I for one would prefer to see my $5.50 invested back into our transportation system, or heaven forbid, back into employees that are far superior to those at say Dallas County! A knock on Dallas County? Maybe, but I'll take the customer service you get in Collin County over Dallas County any day of the week, at least for now.
At least be there and fill out a comment card in support. Again, it's your future we all have to fight for it together.
Joe,
I know you mean well, however we know whats coming to us if we do show up. There are always ways for supervisors to fire us for "unrealted substandard job performance". I also know the loadest roaster gets his head chopped off first.Anyway if we wanted to show up it is kind of hard to make the meeting when the notices are posted three hours before the start at 6:30 AM in the morning. I thought there were laws addressing proper notification of public meetings. I could be wrong, but I get the impression that the less people know and can't make the meetings, the better for the court to have less people get in their way. I noticed several people from the DA's office made it, however they can step out of the office rather quick. We can't leave our post or we would be abandonding our duties.
I also been informed that the last time several CCSO deputies showed up, the court postponed that part of the discussion. I must admit I had my eyes and ears focused on Collin County for these meetings. I must say my eyes and ears are focused elsewhere and another agency is possibly in my near future. Thanks
Well not much to say other than each and every day that goes by the county employees feel worse and worse. Morale county wide among employees is the worst I have ever seen it, and after speaking to a very long term employee who is now retired it is worst that they have ever seen. The big question to me is why be so narrow minded about one issue and attempt to fix something that is not broke? The only thing that I see that is broke is having someone in office who does not have the employees nor the citizens of Collin County best intrest in mind. I think that we as citizens in Collin County as well as the employees of Collin County have allowed the wrong people with the exception of a few into office, creating what could be disaster. When you get someone in office who has their mind set on making themselves appear good and not someone who is genuinely a good person looking to do the right thing, then everyone suffers. Joe I would like to say that I appreciate what you have done up to this point. I see that you are one of just a few who will stand up and do what is right. Thanks again.
Joe,
Whether we agree with decisions you make, or the way you vote, or not, at least you have the guts (keeping it clean) to host a forum and face employees and respond to our comments and criticism. Thank you.
I understand that some employees are apprehensive, to say the least, about showing their face in commissioners court. I know they fear retribution or reprisal. But if we don't stand as a united front, Keith Self will continue to use us as paving stones on his delusional march towards some higher office that he's set his mind to.
County deputies are mere months from attaining civil service. We CANNOT standby and let Self scavenge and plunder our benefits in anticipation of what is certainly inevitable.
If hundreds show up, it is highly doubtful that hundreds will be fired or retaliated against. It's also highly doubtful that managers and supervisors would even have the will to do such a thing. What would the have to gain? We are all in the same boat, including them.
If it's really an issue, maybe we can all wear fake mustaches. I think there's a costume store over by Lowes off Taylor-Burke.
Joe,
PFP has failed and it has failed miserably! At the Sheriffs Office the law has come down from the top that says everyone gets the same amount no matter what. Now, that being the case, it doesn't matter how good or bad you did that year you get the same amount. It's not fair for the worst employees to get the same as the best and that is not pay for performance at all. It's just a matter of time and people will begin leaving by the droves and the quality of our law enforcement will be the same as Dallas County. The only good side of that is that we will always be in the news. It wont be good news but atleast it can help Keith Self get on Channel 5. The quality of deputies is going to be sub par and we'll have the lowest rejects working here because we wont be able to keep our same strict hiring policies and get the best of the best. Get ready to open the checkbook for civil suits that will follow with the sub par and reject employees. Anyone with a gun and a badge that is sub par is dangerous for us all.
Hello everyone, there has been a new blog created for Collin County Deputies and correctional offcers. Joe, we want your voice there as well. The morale is even worse than last year and there is no light in sight. I encourage all law enforcement and corrections to go there and let your voice be heard.
Here's the link
http://ccdatx.wordpress.com
You guys need to make your voices heard at the budget public hearings too.
How healthy is the average county employee going to be when they can no longer afford to seek healthcare due to the latest increase on our deductibles, premiums and copays and reduction in coverage? I wouldn't doubt there is an increase in blood pressure and stress caused by the continuous taking of our benefits. I happen to be an employee of Collin County, a taxpaying citizen of Collin County and my household has also been affected by the continued decline of this economy. My husband has been laid off since January of this year, his salary was almost twice what mine is and I can tell you unemployment benefits don't come anywhere close to what his salary was. We now struggle to make ends meet and now the Commissioners court & County judge vote to make things even worse on my household. If I can't even pay all of my bills now, how do you expect me to be able to when my insurance premiums/deductibles increase to more than my PFP? When my child needs to see a doctor, how is that supposed to happen if I don't have the money to cover the deductible? I may have to choose whether or not to pay my electric bill or pay the deductible so that we can get the medical care we need. I can also assure you that my salary after being w/the county for over 10 years does not even come close to this so called average salary of $50,000 annually. The benefits have always been the reason I wanted to work for the county, but every year something else is taken away. I'll probably never make anymore than what I do right now due to the health insurance increases every year and the decreased amount of pay increase. I will actually lose money after everything takes affect. My property tax savings won't even amount to $1, which won't even buy my child's school lunch for one day. And I'm sure that I am NOT alone in this.
Even if you are a Republican....vote Democrat so we can get Self OUT!! He does not represent the average taxpayer. He is a RADICAL EXTREMIST and he scares me!! I am telling everyone everywhere!!
Commissoner Jaynes:
I apologize for not being able to follow all of the Commissioners Court discussion on the topic of county employee TCDRS retirement. I know that Judge Self provided a few cherry picked numbers to gain support in reducing County matching from 2.5 to 1.5. I also no that yourself, Commissioner Ward, and Commissioner Hoagland voted No in the motion to reduce the County's contribution from 2.5 to 1.5. My question is why was there a motion to lower the County's contribution from 2.5 to 2.0 based on such little to no accurate evidence?
Judge Self first brought up the 33,207 unemployed Collin County citizens. How many of those are unemployed are laid off Collin County employees? Answer: none. How many are laid off private sector employees whose company laid them off due to Collin County's taxes being too high as a result of the TCDRS retirement? Answer: none. How many of the 33,207 unemployed Collin County citizens will regain employment as a result of lowering Collin County's 2.5 to 1 matching in employee retirement? Answer: none.
Judge Self also stated that private 401k retirement plans do not have such high employer contributions. I fail to see how this has anything to do with Collin County's budget situation. Perhaps he was trying to say that it is not fair for Collin County employees to have such a retirement and Collin County citizens with 401ks do not. Perhaps he is making a comparison to haves and have nots. Perhaps Keith Self wants to redistribute the wealth and make it so that Collin County employees and Collin County citizens are equal.
If we want to speak at the public hearing, do we need to do anything ahead of time? Is everyone who wants to speak allowed their time or only a certain amount of speakers allowed?
Get there beforehand, fill out a blue card and everyone gets 3 minutes to speak.
Commissioner Jaynes:
It is my understanding that representation from TCDRS met privately with the Commissioners Court this week. I would like to know what facts were provided to you by TCDRS. It seems that Keith Self is now telling the citizens of Collin County that the county government owes 40 million dollars to TCDRS. Is this true and how did Keith Self get to this number? In other words, if 40 million dollars is the answer, what is the question?
For those of us who cannot make it to the meeting because of other obligations, do we access to comment cards ahead of time to fill out and send with co-workers who will be in attendance? Thank you.
Joe,
Thanks for the informative post regarding the "actual" retirement numbers on your home page. 2 questions, any chance a rep from TCDRS would attend the public hearing or provide something in writing to set the record straight once and for all? Now that the truth is out there, are the votes there to get us back to a 2.5 match?
Thanks
Joe,
We are hearing some rumors about tonight's meeting. Is it true that if we are unable to "find a seat to sit on" that we may not stay for the meeting? I hope not and would think this is just a rumor but I wanted to be sure. Please put this to rest for us. Thank you.
I'm not sure about that but there is a concerted effort to get the room filled so there will be very little room for county employees.
Judge Self seemed to pay no attention last night. He continues to spew the same overblown retirement numbers that he has even though they have been proven to be false, and his supporters continue to believe him. This is not a 401 K and it does not work the same way.
Here's some hard truth that I have to deal with. Even if the retirement system is not changed, and we continue to get 2.50 to 1.00 matching and 7% interest, when I reach retirement age I can expect about $1,300 a month. Does that sound like I am getting rich at the tax payers expense?
I agree. The reality is County Employees are NOT getting rich with this retirement plan. Commissioner Hoagland read a letter from a Mr. Smart? last night. I believe he retired after 22 years (longer service than the average retiree) with an ending salary higher than the average county employee. His retirement bring home of 36-38K a year, after taxes, is no where close to the $100-200K retirement numbers Judge Self fabricated. Subtract the rising cost of medical insurance from that amount and Mr. Smart better not have a house or car payment if he wants to eat or otherwise enjoy his retirement. Financial planners will tell you that a person will need at least 70% of his or her income, possibly more, depending on how long they live, in order to retire. That is a minimum % the County, as an employer, should try to achieve for it's employees. If that isn't realistic from a match/interest rate standpoint then pay a higher wage so employees can at least have an opportunity to make up the difference on their own.
Joe,
There was a rumor flying around the meeting last night that had Commissioner Ward taking a job offer from Judge Self. Only the job supposedly had strings, too the tune of a 1.5 to 1 retirement match in line with Judge Self. How true or untrue is this rumor? I would hate to see the employees automatically lose on a backdoor deal. I wouldn't be surprised if Judge Self offered it, as lies are easily shot down in public, and he should be worried about it. I would be surprised to see Commissioner Ward's integrity compromised with the deal though. Any imput one way or the other would be great.
No truth whatsoever. Commissioner Ward has more integrity then anyone I know.
I second that. I strongly believe in Commissioner Ward and believe she WILL NOT stoop to that level.The media and public are watching this very close as well. RUMOR is the word. NOT REALITY.
Detention Officer
I agree, RUMOR, is the word. Some rumors have a percentage of truth in them, and thats why the question was posed. I'm glad to hear that it's not true and I can do my part to shut it down when I hear it. I think Commissioner Ward knows she has the support of the employees, and if she doesn't, let me profess it to her now. I'm sure if she wanted to run for county office in the future she could be successful. Heck, move to Commissioner Sheehans district, and a win would virtually be guaranteed. We only have room in this county for one person with Self's extremist ideaologies.
Do you think that Self's real objective here is to try to force long time employees out of County employment?
I don't get Self's motivation to pit the citizens against the employees...maybe he just likes to start conflict?
County employees need to get "orgainzed" politically and have their vioce heard....register to vote and VOTE; encourage your families and friends to also register and VOTE.
As it has been said before, "if you don't vote, don't complain"...think about it, fellow employees
I get the feeling that Self thinks County employees are not worthy, not only for a fair retirement system, but for fair wages; that perhaps we are sub-par humans, insignificant....what a morale booster.
Hang in there fellow employees!!
LS
Joe,
Since this issue of retirement is obviously an emotional and divisive topic for not only the court, but the community, how the county hiring a compensation expert. The expert will be an independant entity that won't have a retirement account or political aspirations to propel his report. He/she will have nothing but hard facts about our numbers and the counties sustainabilility. If they come back and say it needs to be lowered for the county to survive then I will personally do my part in supporting it with our employees. If they say its fine and within industry standard then the community will realize we aren't overspending on benefits. Its a win win situation. What's your opinion on making this happen. As you know, all it will take is a simple motion on sep. 7th. I think its important for the court to be able to tell the taxpayers and community the court made a decision based on hard numbers and not assumptions. Thanks again Joe for contributions. P.S.- Based on the standing ovation the other night, maybe your name should've been on the ballot for County Judge.
Joe-
Can you tell me why the next two Public Hearings are in the middle of the day when most county employees can not attend? How are we to defend ourselves against Keith Self when he are at our jobs serving the public? I think that all PUBLIC HEARINGS should be held after 5:30PM to give ALL CITIZENS a change to attend. Keith Self often forgets we are not only employees, we are also tax paying citizens, and we do have a vote. So Joe can we plan on seeing your name on the ballot next for COUNTY JUDGE????
We've always had one public hearing in the evening and one during the day. It's probably something that needs to be looked at though.
No, on CJ. To do so I would have to resign as county commissioner and with a daughter in college, my wife would kill me.
I agree with Rummy. Maybe the best temporary solution to this emotional topic would be for the court to table the issue for further review. Afterall, the court can vote to change the benefits at any time during the year, it may take some rearranging in the budget process, but it can be done at any time.
What's next on the chopping block? Pay increaces have been affected (PFP), demands to reduce comp time and new regulations in place; health benefits have been changed every year, now our retirement.
I just hope that our two new commissioners have minds of their own (like Joe) and do not get taken in by the commander and his "mini-me" (as so delicately spoken by Judge Douglas).
I don't know what it will take to get the County employees motivated and politically involved....the Democrats have a ripe crop ready to be picked, if they take advantage of it.
Everyone understands that sometimes cuts have to be made in the public sector, what offends us is the outright misleading of the public by a person we are suppose to be able to believe.
I'm still stunned by the approach taken by the county judge on this issue.
Thanks, Joe for your support.
LS
Commissioner Jaynes:
After considering all the Commissioners Court meetings since August 9th, when Judge Self unveiled his proposal to reduce employer matching benefits, until the present I am still not quite sure as to the reason this reduction is being considered. When I looke at other government entities, such as Dallas County, the City of Dallas, even the City of McKinney, it is not too hard to understand their situation. They had less tax revenues than budget expenditures with no reserves and as a result had to make cuts to balance the budget.
Collin County found 15 million to make up for the 14 million dollar shortfall in tax revenue and still has over 100 million in reserves. The Commissioners Court is even proposing a taxcut. With all of these budget related facts, why lower the employer contribution on the employee retirement plan?
It appears that Collin County can afford the current plan. With the TCDRS presentation made on 9-7-2010 it was evident that the 40 million dollar unsecured liability will be paid off in 20 years with out changing a thing. So, again, why the urgency to reduce benefits?
To me it is self evident(no pun intended). This is an election year for the office of County Judge. What finer way to get re-elected than to preach that you lowered taxes and defeated the government employee pension boogeyman that has conspiracy theorists panicked.
I will cease in my political statements and offer some constructive criticism. First, both yourself and Commissioner Ward have commented that you think Collin County should be more in line with the Cities in our county when it comes to retirement. TMRS offers a 2:1 match and therefor our county should have a 2:1 match.
I will point out that TMRS vests its enrolled employees at 5 years and not at 8 years as TCDRS does. Also, Denton County still has 2.2:1 matching and Grayson County offers 2.25:1 matching. So, we will not be in line with our surrounding cities and counties if we go down to a 2:1 match.
My recommendation is to offset all of this by reducing our vesting time to 4 years (if possible) and give the employees a flat 10% pay increase. The total compensation package for employees has become unbalanced. Employees are having their cost for medical insurance going up and less being contributed in their retirement.
I would actually support a reduction down to 1:1 if the County would give employees an immediate 25-30% pay increase. Wishful thinking, but I also believe I am not alone in this idea. Already there are 3 cities in Collin County that pay more in salaries and, technically speaking, due to the PFP replacing the step system the number goes up from 3 to at least 6.
You yourself will recall how private citizens, even Tea Party members, encouraged the County Commissioners to increase employee pay. One gentleman referred to the PFP pay increases as "appalling". The voter support is there for significant raises.
So, to recap:
1) If the employer match is reduced from 2.5:1 to 2:1 the vesting period must be lower than 5 years to compete with TMRS.
2) A significant pay increase is warranted to balance the significant decrease in employee benefits.
The employees and voters support this. So should you.
How true. If retirement benifits must be lowered please increase our pay to the average or better pay scale. The taxpayes will have less future obligation that retirement holds. The budget will be more on a "pay as you go" like it should be. The employess would have more take home pay. Everyone wins. Now as PFP goes, if we are so concerned that potential "deadbeat" employess don't deserve the raise as the hard workers, go back to step increases.If employess get reprimanded or written up,punish them by "freezing their raise" but stop punishing all of us !
Another thought...Allen, Plano, Frisco and McKinney all pay law enforcement more; not just in base pay, but top out pay. With our pay structure and PFP, a new deputy will never top put in the County pay structure.
Another point, equipment supplied for law enforcement. All of the above mentioned cities, except one, supplies law enforcement with their weapon and duty gear. A new deputy at Collin County does not get this "perk". The city from the above mentioned list that does not supply weapons and duty gear gives the new officer a one time stipend of $1350.00 to buy their weapon and duty gear.
A new deputy at the County starts off $900 to $1,000 in the hole before they get their first pay check.
If we are going to compare retirement "matching", let's compare EVERYTHING. If we want the retirement to be exactly like surrounding law enforcement agencies (or less), let's bring everythine else in line also. Now, that would be a huge budget hit. As stated earlier, if we want to be like the cities, lower the vesting from 8 years to 5 or less and go to 2:1.
The local law enforcement agencies are licking their chops, hoping the County goes to 1.5:1. They know that if that happens, they can fill any vacant positions with County deputies...it would cut their training costs in a big way.
I was a strong supporter of PFP in the beginning, when we could REALLY reward our top performers, but 1-1.5% PFP isn't much of a reward, espically with no cost of living (market adjustment, if you will)and insurance changes; are you paying the same for a gallon of milk or a gallon of gas that you were paying last year?
One last thing, does Collin County have a budget emergency?
Joe, your thoughts, please. Keep up the good work and the County employees sincerely appreciate your support.
LS
Joe,
Unless I'm missing something, there isn't an employee on that list getting $100K a year in retirement. The largest number I saw was a retiree on 12/31/2008. They had been here almost 32 years and are making $73,550 a year in retirement, after nearly a lifetime of service.
The budget shortfall of 14 million was covered, we have almost a years worth of reserves and in one of the worst economic periods I can recall found a way to cut the tax rate, which almost everyone sees as a long term mistake. None of this is about economics or a budget shortfall, it is political grandstanding and it is coming at the citizens and employees expense.
Once upon a time employees received a 5% pay increase annually plus a nominal cost of living raise each year. The result was a 6-7 year top out. Then it was reduced to 2.5% annually and a 12-13 year top out. Cost of living raises decreased proportionately. Then we went to PFP because automatically getting a 2.5% raise without having a performance measure was too generous? Now we have a PFP system with out the first "P" (PAY), no top out in sight, rare, negligible cost of living increase and raises that don't even offset increased benefit costs? Seriously!
I bet every governmental entity in the area would like to have our "budget dilema". We keep hearing comparisons to the private sector that are not realistic. What is realistic, compare Collin County to any other governmental agency City, County, State or Federal. We would get high marks despite the economic down turn. We are more accountable and better run than many private sector companies. We have a County governmental organization to be proud of. Great facilities, services, elected officials (for the most part) and employees! Commissioners Court should be tooting the County's horn instead of preaching gloom and doom. It makes us look weak as a County and as an organization when it is obvious we are not!
You are doing your best to call BS on this. Educated citizens, voters and employees are calling BS as well. Heck, even Baumbach is calling BS. Thanks, and keep up the good work!
Joe,
I read your latest article regarding our retirement numbers. It is very comprensive and great in rebuking Self's numbers. It brings me to question why we are reducing the match at all though. If the system is so sustainable as is, why are we changing it? Everyone has said that 2.5 to 1 allows us to make more in retirement. Does it? As Sheriff Box has stated time and again, our pay structure is fundamentally flawed, and we don't make as much as other government employees more the same time frame. We are getting 2.5 to 1 on lower pay, therefore it is simply balancing out what we would be getting at 2 to 1 with higher pay. In reality we are breaking even in retirement funds compared to other agencies. I know everyone has conceded the 2.5 down to 2, but the more information that comes out the more I ask why. Don't get me wrong, you have been very supportive and for that we all are grateful, and I'm not trying to beat you down now. I am just having a harder time explaining to my family why I'm staying so loyal to the county when there has been copious amounts of information stating our current retirement numbers are more than sustainable.
Joe,
Sorry to see your salary got hit in the crossfire during the back and forth. Commissioner Ward had a point with the leading by example, however I believe it should have been discussed amongst the Commissioners at a later date. Using an ambush technique to get it done was entirely fair. Thank you for fighting for us during this budget year, as you do most years, and here's to putting together a complete and informative survey for next year.
Commissioner Jaynes:
I would sum up the last few weeks of budget talks with this simple two-word phrase: Political Grandstanding.
Commissioner Hoagland is right. The reductions in employee benefits and the tax rate cut was proposed by Keith Self and Matt Shaheen for purely political purposes. Come November 2nd, we'll see just how well the smoke and mirrors worked.
The only good, and I say this as a citizen of Collin County as well as an employee, that came from the budget hearings was the Commissioners Court considering the formation of a workforce commission to study salaries, benefits, and retirements to make annual reports to the Commissioners Court. I don't think I am alone when I say that I do not want this task left in the hands of Cynthia Jacobson and Cynthia alone.
With that being said, I would like to see a real timeline as to when we can see such a commission. I talk from experience when I say that this is something that takes time. I also know that the law enforcement employees have resources at their disposal to provide the Commissioners with this type of information at their cost and not the taxpayers.
We need to see that this commission be made and that it be made, now.
Joe,
First, thank you for everything you did to fight for the employees during this year's budget process. We really appreciate it. Now for the hot topic. I know everyone has been dying to know but no one wants to ask, so I will. Are we getting longevity checks this year? If so, when? Thanks.
should be the end of the month
Joe,
Thank you for leading the fight for what ought to be common sense.
Joe,
Like a previous poster said, I am sorry that you got ambushed on your salary. Everybody needs to be aware that you fought hard for us, and you continue to do so. If there is ever anything you need from us, all you need to do ask. I think it's safe to say that the majority of us have your back.
Joe,
Oops. Regarding the 9-12-10 post about your salary being hit, and useing the ambush technique. I meant to say NOT entirely fair. Excluding the NOT vastly changes the context of the post. Sorry.
Longevity was funded for next year.
Thanks, Joe. I was just wondering that.
Commissioner Jaynes:
What can we employees expect to lose next year? What additional cuts will be made to satisfy the lunatic rage of the neo-radical conservative movement at the employees' expense? Will we ever get those roads that Keith Self promised to build during his first campaign?
Some people won't like this but...
Just a suggestion for future health benefit discussions:
There are two things that my husband's job does that could be used to keep the county's costs down without hurting everyone with an across the board premium and deductable raise.
First, smokers pay a slightly higher premium. I'm sure that a lot of claims that the county pays for stem from problems that smoking has caused either directly or indirectly. Let them pay more for a choice they have made and leave the rest of us alone. (I do believe that they are given a break if they are in a program and are really trying to quit)
Second, they have three premium tiers according to salary. Less than $50,000, $50,001-$80,000 and greater than $80,000. Why raise everyone’s premium and hurt those of us who bring home only $1000-$1500 a month compared to higher paid employees.
Just a thought. Thanks.
Commissioner Jaynes:
Is there a reason why people cannot go to the County's website and see what the pay range is for all employee positions? Even employees do not neccessarily know what their own pay scale is.
You can't see the pay scale on the county website because there is no pay scale. You are given raises at the pleasure of the Commissioners court.
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