3. Salary/COLA recommendation - Laserfiche WebLink

CASS COUNTY GOVERNMENT .-. Auditor Michael Montiplaisir, CPA 701-241-5601 Treasurer Charlotte Sandvik 701-241-5611 Director of Equalization Frank Klein 701-241-5616 Box 2806 211 Ninth Street South Fargo, North Dakota 58103 Fax 701-241-5728 www.casscountygov.com Date: June 2, 2004 To: Cass County Department Heads ('R ~ From: Frank Klein and Charlotte Sandvik Re: Salary Proposal As requested by the Department Head group, we recently reviewed the latest economic data in regards to inflation and salary trends. This information will be used to forward an appropriate salary adjustment recommendation to the Cass County Commission. Based upon an analysis of the information, we feel that the Department Head group should recommend a +21/2% adjustment to the salary scale. Exhibit A indicates that the latest 12 month trailing Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers has increased 2.3%. Exhibit B indicates a 2.1 % increase for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. Exhibit C indicates a 2.1 % increase for all Urban Consumers in the Midwest region, while Exhibit D indicates a 1.8% increase for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, Midwest region. Exhibit E indicates that the latest 12 month trailing Employment Cost Index for civilian workers has increased of3.8%. The Cost index for government workers has increased 3.3%, with a 2.1 % increase attributed to wages and a 6.2 % increase attributed to benefits. Exhibit F shows the trend in the Consumer Price Index and Employment Cost Index for the last 25 years, while Exhibit G shows the last few years. Since 1992, the CPI has increased slightly less than 3% per year; while the Employment Cost Index has increased slightly more than the CPl. It's unclear how much benefit costs are going to increase. It's our understanding that the health insurance costs may increase 10%-12%. It is the policy of Cass County to pay a competitive salary within budget constraints. It would appear appropriate to consider the CPI and the Employment Cost Index data to maintain a competitive salary structure. Based upon this data, we propose a 2 1/2 % increase to the salary scale for your consideration. It's understood that the Department Head Group may come to an alternative conclusion and is not bound by our recommendation.