City Council Agenda Report
TO: Mayor Clauzel and Members of the City Council
FROM: Fernando Ulloa, Interim City Manager
BY: Marie Guillory Jones, Director of Human Resources
MEETING DATE: December 3, 2024
ITEM NO: 6.3
SUBJECT: Approve the Recommended Salary Adjustment for the Water Operator Classification Series and the Corresponding American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 10 Salary Schedule Effective July 1, 2024, Revised as of November 1, 2024.
RECOMMENDATION
Motion to Approve the recommended salary adjustment for the Water Operator Classification series and the corresponding American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 10 salary schedule effective July 1, 2024, revised as of November 1, 2024.
BACKGROUND
At its regularly scheduled meeting on August 20, 2024, the City Council approved the AFSCME salary schedule, effective July 1, 2024. This salary schedule was based on the Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Patterson and AFSCME, effective July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025. The MOU includes language that allows for annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and equity increases (disbursed over the term of the MOU) based upon the results of the 2022 compensation study conducted by an external consultant. The salary schedule effective July 1, 2024, implemented the final (Year-3) COLA and related equity increases for the bargaining group.
The compensation study was conducted based on the seven (7) comparable agencies in our approved market. The study results increased the Maintenance Worker classifications higher than the Water Operators classifications. Prior to the study being conducted, the Water Operator series maintained a five percent (5%) rate above the Maintenance Worker series as employees often promote from Maintenance Worker to Water Operator. Upon implementation of the Year- 3 equity, the Water Operator series is now two and a half percent (2.5%) below Maintenance Worker. As a result, AFSCME has requested that the salary for the Water Operator series is realigned equal to that of the Maintenance Worker series, pending further discussion. The City agrees with this request and is recommending that Council approve this action.
ANALYSIS
An external consultant conducted a compensation study to assess City classifications as compared to those at comparable agencies. The study results reflected that the Maintenance Worker series was below market, and the Water Operator series was slightly above. In accordance with the approved MOU, the Maintenance Worker series received an equity adjustment to increase their salary to the market median and applicable Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). The Water Operator series maintained its salary level and received the applicable COLA, resulting in a salary range that is now 2.5% below the Maintenance Worker series.
Traditionally, Water Operator classifications are higher than Maintenance Worker classifications due to the larger scope of work and the requirements of the job specification. This includes requirements for training and certifications through state agencies such as the State Water Resources Control Board.