My core values as a leader include being transparent and open. That’s why it’s important to me that you are aware of an important new study that will begin later this spring.
When I joined the County last year, I was surprised to learn we have not looked at how we classify and pay most of our employees since 2002. (To put that in historical perspective, in 2002 we were still reeling from the 9-11 attack on the World Trade Center and the second movie in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy was released. Both the iPhone and the Great Recession were still 5 years in our future.)
Given how much has changed since 2002, it is time to evaluate how we place people in job classifications and compare our total compensation to both the public and private sectors around us.
So, in a few days we’re going to issue a request for proposal for a consultant to help us conduct the total compensation study. They will look at job classifications, titles, base salary and benefits.
The goal of this project is to make sure we classify and pay our employees appropriately and fairly. Our total compensation system must be both competitive and equitable. All this is critical to ensure we can keep talented employees today and recruit more of them to join us tomorrow.
I asked a guy I know pretty well to explain more about this new study in the video below.
Additionally, I am reaching out to our labor partners in the County to meet in my office to answer any of their questions.
As I mentioned in the video, we will share more information on this project page as we move through the project. In the meantime, please use totalcomp@co.pierce.wa.us to ask questions and raise concerns. We want to hear from you!
Switching gears, I want to congratulate the team that launched the new online public records portal. Known as the Public Records Center, the site makes it easy to submit and track records requests. You can also download records from the site. Bravo to Aldona Brice, Jason Buckingham, Brian Hardtke, Diane Ladenburg, Kyle Schmidtke, and the public records officers for making government more accessible to our residents!
Before I wrap up this week’s blog, I want to share a thank you note I received from Dr. Anthony Chen, the Director of Health at the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department:
Thank you for recommending in your 2018 County budget that Tacoma‐Pierce County Health Department partner with Pierce County Facilities on security guard and monitoring services.
On Feb. 7, we will ask the Board of Health to approve an agreement with Pierce County to provide security services to the Health Department. This agreement will reduce the Department’s overall security expenses by more than $40,000 per year.
Bret Carlstad and Ed Casey at Pierce County Facilities were extremely helpful and collaborative. Their assistance allowed us to complete a fiscal analysis and make a recommendation in time to implement the change in February 2018. Ed also offered to add mobile patrols early to address emerging issues around our leased office space. The added security proved very effective.
The Health Department appreciates the opportunities to collaborate with Pierce County on projects to realize efficiencies and enhance services to Pierce County residents.
Way to go, Bret and Ed! I love hearing about great work that saves money for our bosses – the residents of Pierce County.
Thanks for reading,
Bruce