100K Club of Davis

For the CBO of the city to hand out a budget not factoring in projected health and pension benefits owed city employees is downright dishonest. Then for Saylor and Souza to follow up by claiming a balanced budget is just beyond the pale.

Now we are seeing the pigs who are feeding at the city's public trough. Bill Emlen would be my top pick for ineffectual doofus pigging out at taxpayer expense. To add insult to injury, he has his little staff minions doing everything they can to protect his little fiefdom. Parks and Rec are some of the worst at protecting their own.

To top it off, Parks & Rec have a nasty habit of farming out feasibility studies of housing developments to the developers themselves! And under the guise that Parks and Rec employees are "overworked". Or they hire consultants at $75,000 a pop to determine what is already known – parks are fun and kids use them!

Just as an added dimension, an employee from Public Works was heard to say creation of the sewer plant was keeping him nicely employed. Could the same be said of the surface water project? Just wondering.

For the CBO of the city to hand out a budget not factoring in projected health and pension benefits owed city employees is downright dishonest. Then for Saylor and Souza to follow up by claiming a balanced budget is just beyond the pale.

Now we are seeing the pigs who are feeding at the city's public trough. Bill Emlen would be my top pick for ineffectual doofus pigging out at taxpayer expense. To add insult to injury, he has his little staff minions doing everything they can to protect his little fiefdom. Parks and Rec are some of the worst at protecting their own.

To top it off, Parks & Rec have a nasty habit of farming out feasibility studies of housing developments to the developers themselves! And under the guise that Parks and Rec employees are "overworked". Or they hire consultants at $75,000 a pop to determine what is already known – parks are fun and kids use them!

Just as an added dimension, an employee from Public Works was heard to say creation of the sewer plant was keeping him nicely employed. Could the same be said of the surface water project? Just wondering.

Not terribly surprised, but great data. Good to see the Vanguard reporting on solid data again rather than rumor/opinion/conjecture, this is why I liked this blog in the first place.

These numbers definitely needed to see the light of day. Thanks David.

Not terribly surprised, but great data. Good to see the Vanguard reporting on solid data again rather than rumor/opinion/conjecture, this is why I liked this blog in the first place.

These numbers definitely needed to see the light of day. Thanks David.

Does an income of $100,000/year qualify you for a conventional loan to buy the median priced home in Davis? Stagflation is a terrible thing.

The overtime complaint has merit and the fat pensions could be an issue in the future but are people possibly just a little jealous about what others are making?

Does an income of $100,000/year qualify you for a conventional loan to buy the median priced home in Davis? Stagflation is a terrible thing.

The overtime complaint has merit and the fat pensions could be an issue in the future but are people possibly just a little jealous about what others are making?

You’ve got to love the firefighters’ union. Campaign contributions + mailers = $alaries.

Salary increases are like crack cocaine – once you get a taste, you can’t give it up…

You’ve got to love the firefighters’ union. Campaign contributions + mailers = $alaries.

Salary increases are like crack cocaine – once you get a taste, you can’t give it up…

"Please note that any posts that use profanity or engage in name-calling or other potentially slanderous attacks will be subject to deletion."

Wouldn't "ineffectual doofus" (comment #1) qualify as name-calling?

I'm not a city employee, don't know anyone on the list but I've been happy with the service I've received from Parks & Rec.

The building permits office, on the other hand…

"Please note that any posts that use profanity or engage in name-calling or other potentially slanderous attacks will be subject to deletion."

Wouldn't "ineffectual doofus" (comment #1) qualify as name-calling?

I'm not a city employee, don't know anyone on the list but I've been happy with the service I've received from Parks & Rec.

The building permits office, on the other hand…

Great work. It will be interesting to see similar lists for the county, WesSac and Woodland. I’m sure there will be public records requests for those now that you’ve opened the floodgates.

Great work. It will be interesting to see similar lists for the county, WesSac and Woodland. I’m sure there will be public records requests for those now that you’ve opened the floodgates.

I think one of the points made in DPD’s article is that the council majority of (Asmundson, Saylor, Souza) are giving away the city finances (not for rank-and-file employees), but to a 60+ or so people who may end up bankrupting the city.

Between yesterday’s article and today’s article it also shows how the council majority will say that we need more, and more development because we need more money.

In fact it looks like we would be in better condition fiscally if they were not paying out such hefty overtime and salaries. We would not be facing such a fiscal nightmare as we currently are facing if they were not paying back their campaign “favors,” with our tax dollars.

I think one of the points made in DPD’s article is that the council majority of (Asmundson, Saylor, Souza) are giving away the city finances (not for rank-and-file employees), but to a 60+ or so people who may end up bankrupting the city.

Between yesterday’s article and today’s article it also shows how the council majority will say that we need more, and more development because we need more money.

In fact it looks like we would be in better condition fiscally if they were not paying out such hefty overtime and salaries. We would not be facing such a fiscal nightmare as we currently are facing if they were not paying back their campaign “favors,” with our tax dollars.

Thank you DPD! We the public have the right to know how our money is being spent.

One thing about the new Target that is being built is that it is going to require more police staff and road work and maintenance, so the $600,000 that it is expected to bring in, in revenue, will really be a lot, lot less. Rest assured they will try to sell us on the need for more big box stores. The floodgates have now been opened.

Thank you DPD! We the public have the right to know how our money is being spent.

One thing about the new Target that is being built is that it is going to require more police staff and road work and maintenance, so the $600,000 that it is expected to bring in, in revenue, will really be a lot, lot less. Rest assured they will try to sell us on the need for more big box stores. The floodgates have now been opened.

Interesting little tidbit I was told. Some of the police overtime is based on other groups contracting police officers during their time off. Their pay shows up on the rolls as overtime, but it’s actually listed under the program number 5619. What important is that these are paid not by the city but by the group that contracts them. So some of the overtime for the police officers on this list is actually not paid for by the city.

Interesting little tidbit I was told. Some of the police overtime is based on other groups contracting police officers during their time off. Their pay shows up on the rolls as overtime, but it’s actually listed under the program number 5619. What important is that these are paid not by the city but by the group that contracts them. So some of the overtime for the police officers on this list is actually not paid for by the city.

I remember reading on this blog that the fire dept., is reimbursed by the state for there personnel and equipment when helping to fight a forest fire, so possibly some of these dollar values are not correct ,maybe facts are not being checked and double checked before putting your fingers to the keyboard ,how fair is that to be not totally honest,like a reporter , newspaper ,newscast should be …?

I remember reading on this blog that the fire dept., is reimbursed by the state for there personnel and equipment when helping to fight a forest fire, so possibly some of these dollar values are not correct ,maybe facts are not being checked and double checked before putting your fingers to the keyboard ,how fair is that to be not totally honest,like a reporter , newspaper ,newscast should be …?

ANON 10:45

You ask an interesting question regarding firefighter overtime. I am not 100% sure of the answer. However, based on my research into this issue, I think David Greenwald’s numbers reflect only what the city has paid them in salaries. In other words, the extra pay they receive when going out of our district to help other departments fight fires (or do other emergency work) is in addition to the figures David has presented.

Before he published this piece, I looked at his numbers and they looked much like those I had collected. (Insofar as there was a difference was due to mine being fiscal year numbers and his being calendar year numbers.) As such, I think it is reasonable to think that the figures David presented (for the firefighters, at least) are just what Davis paid them.

ANON 10:45

You ask an interesting question regarding firefighter overtime. I am not 100% sure of the answer. However, based on my research into this issue, I think David Greenwald’s numbers reflect only what the city has paid them in salaries. In other words, the extra pay they receive when going out of our district to help other departments fight fires (or do other emergency work) is in addition to the figures David has presented.

Before he published this piece, I looked at his numbers and they looked much like those I had collected. (Insofar as there was a difference was due to mine being fiscal year numbers and his being calendar year numbers.) As such, I think it is reasonable to think that the figures David presented (for the firefighters, at least) are just what Davis paid them.

In addition these are slightly different from the numbers I show Rich Rifkin. In the course of my conservations with the city, I was able to find out that they slightly different sets of numbers for actual expenditures. These are the same numbers that the city apparently gave the Sacramento Bee in May. So I am fairly comfortable with these numbers.

In addition these are slightly different from the numbers I show Rich Rifkin. In the course of my conservations with the city, I was able to find out that they slightly different sets of numbers for actual expenditures. These are the same numbers that the city apparently gave the Sacramento Bee in May. So I am fairly comfortable with these numbers.

If these are May figures, they are outdated. Firefighter compensation increased in July. And much of the compensation is in the form of full retirement benefits at age 50. I can get you the updated version, but it will take awhile.

If these are May figures, they are outdated. Firefighter compensation increased in July. And much of the compensation is in the form of full retirement benefits at age 50. I can get you the updated version, but it will take awhile.

Sue: this is from 2007.

Sue: this is from 2007.

ADD $16,076 FOR CAFETERIA BENEFITS…

The City of Davis adds $16,076 (annually) to employees’ paychecks to pay for medical benefits.

For example, employees who choose Kaiser get $5,648 deducted from their paychecks each year; any “unused” amounts out of the $16,076 is retained by the employee as “bonus” pay.

So, an employee that is already covered by a spouse’s medical plan can theoretically bank the entire $16,076 in take-home pay.

For a more accurate picture, I’d be interested in finding out what additional “bonus” pay employees have received from their Cafeteria Benefits.

ADD $16,076 FOR CAFETERIA BENEFITS…

The City of Davis adds $16,076 (annually) to employees’ paychecks to pay for medical benefits.

For example, employees who choose Kaiser get $5,648 deducted from their paychecks each year; any “unused” amounts out of the $16,076 is retained by the employee as “bonus” pay.

So, an employee that is already covered by a spouse’s medical plan can theoretically bank the entire $16,076 in take-home pay.

For a more accurate picture, I’d be interested in finding out what additional “bonus” pay employees have received from their Cafeteria Benefits.

DPD, please release who you work for and how much you get paid, so we may complain about your salary as well.

DPD, please release who you work for and how much you get paid, so we may complain about your salary as well.

If I got paid by the taxpayers, it would be a public record. The voters deserve the right to know how much public officials will get. It’s called accountability.

If I got paid by the taxpayers, it would be a public record. The voters deserve the right to know how much public officials will get. It’s called accountability.

DPD works for himself. You’re just pissed because you’re one of the fat cats getting a big increase all at taxpayer expense. And all while they pay all other employees less.

David Greenwald for City Council !

DPD works for himself. You’re just pissed because you’re one of the fat cats getting a big increase all at taxpayer expense. And all while they pay all other employees less.

David Greenwald for City Council !

Doug Paul Davis said…

8/5/08 3:15 PM

actually, the salaries of many managers and decisionmakers are public record in one form or another, whether in the public or private sector

it looks like everyone mentioned by DPD in this article would have their salary subject to public disclosure even if they didn’t work in the public sector

now, when you get into the rank and file, I seriously question the value of publicizing their salary as an individual, when the same information can be presented to the public absent such identification

after all, the issue is what classifications make how much money, how much overtime, how much benefit and why, and whether that is good public policy not that a particularly named individual makes it

but DPD hasn’t done that, if he had, then I would support the notion that his salary and employment are fair game

but, as I said, he hasn’t

–Richard Estes

Doug Paul Davis said…

8/5/08 3:15 PM

actually, the salaries of many managers and decisionmakers are public record in one form or another, whether in the public or private sector

it looks like everyone mentioned by DPD in this article would have their salary subject to public disclosure even if they didn’t work in the public sector

now, when you get into the rank and file, I seriously question the value of publicizing their salary as an individual, when the same information can be presented to the public absent such identification

after all, the issue is what classifications make how much money, how much overtime, how much benefit and why, and whether that is good public policy not that a particularly named individual makes it

but DPD hasn’t done that, if he had, then I would support the notion that his salary and employment are fair game

but, as I said, he hasn’t

–Richard Estes

This is from the Feb. 12, 2008 council agenda item, the web link is below. Overtime is reimbursed.

“From August 2007 through December 2007, Davis Fire Department personnel were sent on five
strike teams throughout California. As per a cooperative agreement, the City of Davis received $ 107,965 from the Office of Emergency Services to pay for the services provided. This is a reimbursement for approximately 1,192 hours of firefighter work and the associated equipment time for mutual aid. This is in addition to the previously submitted reimbursement for 683 hours for this fiscal year.”

http://www.city.davis.ca.us/meetings/councilpackets/20080212/05C_OES_Strike_Teams_Reimbursement.pdf

This is from the Feb. 12, 2008 council agenda item, the web link is below. Overtime is reimbursed.

“From August 2007 through December 2007, Davis Fire Department personnel were sent on five
strike teams throughout California. As per a cooperative agreement, the City of Davis received $ 107,965 from the Office of Emergency Services to pay for the services provided. This is a reimbursement for approximately 1,192 hours of firefighter work and the associated equipment time for mutual aid. This is in addition to the previously submitted reimbursement for 683 hours for this fiscal year.”

http://www.city.davis.ca.us/meetings/councilpackets/20080212/05C_OES_Strike_Teams_Reimbursement.pdf

That would appear to be a very small percentage of what was paid out in overtime overall and a very small percentage of the salaries.

That would appear to be a very small percentage of what was paid out in overtime overall and a very small percentage of the salaries.

If you want to compare Davis with every city and district in Solano County, the Vacaville Reporter has been publishing public salaries for 30 years. Here’s the link:
http://fromthereporter.com/specials/salary/2007/

If you want to compare Davis with every city and district in Solano County, the Vacaville Reporter has been publishing public salaries for 30 years. Here’s the link:
http://fromthereporter.com/specials/salary/2007/

“now, when you get into the rank and file, I seriously question the value of publicizing their salary as an individual, when the same information can be presented to the public absent such identification.”

As I told David last week, I agree with this sentiment. I don’t think it’s cut and dried, but (other than with individuals who are public figures by way of their leadership positions) I would not have published the names of individuals and their salaries. I think the readers of the Vanguard simply need to know that Position X is being paid Salary X.

“now, when you get into the rank and file, I seriously question the value of publicizing their salary as an individual, when the same information can be presented to the public absent such identification.”

As I told David last week, I agree with this sentiment. I don’t think it’s cut and dried, but (other than with individuals who are public figures by way of their leadership positions) I would not have published the names of individuals and their salaries. I think the readers of the Vanguard simply need to know that Position X is being paid Salary X.

Anonymous 3:32 yes there is a need to address the overtime problem and $168,827 being reimbursed from OES of the $952,270.99 in overtime paid to firefighters is only 17.9%. This explains part of the overtime and I would like to know what accounts for the rest and how the city can reduce it. I do know we will never eliminate it. Emergencies arise and city workers have to be called in to take care of the problem.

Anonymous 3:32 yes there is a need to address the overtime problem and $168,827 being reimbursed from OES of the $952,270.99 in overtime paid to firefighters is only 17.9%. This explains part of the overtime and I would like to know what accounts for the rest and how the city can reduce it. I do know we will never eliminate it. Emergencies arise and city workers have to be called in to take care of the problem.

David Greenwald for city manager.

David Greenwald for city manager.

You know what, you wont be caring about the firefighters salaries when it comes to saving your kids from a fire. Get over it lowlifes oh and screw the grand jury.

You know what, you wont be caring about the firefighters salaries when it comes to saving your kids from a fire. Get over it lowlifes oh and screw the grand jury.

Anonymous 8/5/08 7:21 PM said, “You know what, you wont be caring about the firefighters salaries when it comes to saving your kids from a fire. Get over it lowlifes oh and screw the grand jury.”

Anonymous, you seem to think that fiscal responsibility and not wanting to bankrupt the city of Davis equals not appreciating the firefighters. Sorry, but you are wrong. They do important work just as the police officers do and should be paid accordingly WITHOUT putting our city in a dire financial situation. Don’t confuse the two.

Furthermore, now that we see how much overtime is being paid out we can see where the money is going that is needed for more police officers.

Anonymous 8/5/08 7:21 PM said, “You know what, you wont be caring about the firefighters salaries when it comes to saving your kids from a fire. Get over it lowlifes oh and screw the grand jury.”

Anonymous, you seem to think that fiscal responsibility and not wanting to bankrupt the city of Davis equals not appreciating the firefighters. Sorry, but you are wrong. They do important work just as the police officers do and should be paid accordingly WITHOUT putting our city in a dire financial situation. Don’t confuse the two.

Furthermore, now that we see how much overtime is being paid out we can see where the money is going that is needed for more police officers.

I just love how someone “threatens” that a person’s home will be up in flames if they don’t support crazy salaries for some firefighters or upper management…both of which seem to be taking us down the dumps financially.

I just love how someone “threatens” that a person’s home will be up in flames if they don’t support crazy salaries for some firefighters or upper management…both of which seem to be taking us down the dumps financially.

And of course the individual ignores the fact that the inability for the city to make crucial street repairs may actually put their kids in more danger.

The suggestion that people’s kids are safe at $110K but not at $70K is of course ludicrous.

And of course the individual ignores the fact that the inability for the city to make crucial street repairs may actually put their kids in more danger.

The suggestion that people’s kids are safe at $110K but not at $70K is of course ludicrous.

What are the standard salaries for police departments and fire departments in similar sized Ca. college communities? What can we relate them to? What is the industry standard for California?

Isn’t this a financial dilemma most cities and counties are facing with the turn of the economy?

How much of this overtime is reimbursed by state or federal grants? You posted numbers here, but then added that “some” or the police duties may be paid for by private parties. How much exactly?

So lets say there is overtime that has to be worked (as there often is in any business or government organization). And there are people who actually want to work it. Maybe it’s the money. Maybe they are single. Maybe they just really enjoy working. Are you saying that a limit should be imposed and these departments should force other people to come in? Those who may not want the overtime and would rather stay home?

You posted a list of names and salaries on you blog and chose a salary range. I guess I am not completely sure of what exactly you are alleging in relation to the names you posted?

What are the standard salaries for police departments and fire departments in similar sized Ca. college communities? What can we relate them to? What is the industry standard for California?

Isn’t this a financial dilemma most cities and counties are facing with the turn of the economy?

How much of this overtime is reimbursed by state or federal grants? You posted numbers here, but then added that “some” or the police duties may be paid for by private parties. How much exactly?

So lets say there is overtime that has to be worked (as there often is in any business or government organization). And there are people who actually want to work it. Maybe it’s the money. Maybe they are single. Maybe they just really enjoy working. Are you saying that a limit should be imposed and these departments should force other people to come in? Those who may not want the overtime and would rather stay home?

You posted a list of names and salaries on you blog and chose a salary range. I guess I am not completely sure of what exactly you are alleging in relation to the names you posted?

It doesn’t appear that DPD is alleging anything. In fact, he is showing that the city of Davis has increased it’s spending by $25 million for employee salaries and benefits since 2001 !!!

If people are not shocked and outraged then they are not paying attention.

It doesn’t appear that DPD is alleging anything. In fact, he is showing that the city of Davis has increased it’s spending by $25 million for employee salaries and benefits since 2001 !!!

If people are not shocked and outraged then they are not paying attention.

I find it funny that some folks feel names shouldn’t be published with salary. I once had that feeling until I came to terms with my salary being printed in an annual report. It is called transparency, and the sooner one gets over the feeling of guilt for being so filthy rich, the sooner one finds compassion for those less fortunate. Now, if you are like me, and not rich, but rather very far from filthy rich, it is hard to have sympathy for any perceived lack of privacy. We are living in desperate times people, and are in this together. The more we understand each other, the better chance we have.

I find it funny that some folks feel names shouldn’t be published with salary. I once had that feeling until I came to terms with my salary being printed in an annual report. It is called transparency, and the sooner one gets over the feeling of guilt for being so filthy rich, the sooner one finds compassion for those less fortunate. Now, if you are like me, and not rich, but rather very far from filthy rich, it is hard to have sympathy for any perceived lack of privacy. We are living in desperate times people, and are in this together. The more we understand each other, the better chance we have.

“It doesn’t appear that DPD is alleging anything. In fact, he is showing that the city of Davis has increased it’s spending by $25 million for employee salaries and benefits since 2001 !!!

If people are not shocked and outraged then they are not paying attention.”

Very True, but isn’t human resources the largest expense for most if not all cities? I would assume that if we gathered the numbers, all cities have substantially increased the amount of money they must pay for salaries. Davis is far from being “on top”. If you look at the Solano County numbers, the upper management for police and fire here make substantially more.

If your salaries cannot compete with other municipalities then how do you attract quality people to work in Davis? I assume you do want to attract well qualified employees. So what is a reasonable answer?

“It doesn’t appear that DPD is alleging anything. In fact, he is showing that the city of Davis has increased it’s spending by $25 million for employee salaries and benefits since 2001 !!!

If people are not shocked and outraged then they are not paying attention.”

Very True, but isn’t human resources the largest expense for most if not all cities? I would assume that if we gathered the numbers, all cities have substantially increased the amount of money they must pay for salaries. Davis is far from being “on top”. If you look at the Solano County numbers, the upper management for police and fire here make substantially more.

If your salaries cannot compete with other municipalities then how do you attract quality people to work in Davis? I assume you do want to attract well qualified employees. So what is a reasonable answer?

Why all the overtime at the Fire Department? Maybe they should just hire another Captain at straight time to float around for less cost? How about a “reserve” employee that can come in and cover shifts as needed? It’s a little weird to see a Fire Captain making more money than the Fire Chief and is the highest paid employee in the City.

Why all the overtime at the Fire Department? Maybe they should just hire another Captain at straight time to float around for less cost? How about a “reserve” employee that can come in and cover shifts as needed? It’s a little weird to see a Fire Captain making more money than the Fire Chief and is the highest paid employee in the City.

David Greenwald for City Manager and Don Shor should move to Davis so he can run (and win) for City Council!

Also, I got the impression that as City Manager, you were supposed to live in Davis. Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think Bill Emlen lives in Davis.

David Greenwald for City Manager and Don Shor should move to Davis so he can run (and win) for City Council!

Also, I got the impression that as City Manager, you were supposed to live in Davis. Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think Bill Emlen lives in Davis.

Ah yes, just about a year ago I ran this article:

Emlen in Vacaville

I still get crap for that article.

Ah yes, just about a year ago I ran this article:

Emlen in Vacaville

I still get crap for that article.

DPD,
Thanks for the article, it was very informative. By the way, would you care to tell your readers how much income you and Cecelia make per year?

DPD,
Thanks for the article, it was very informative. By the way, would you care to tell your readers how much income you and Cecelia make per year?

Nope. We’re not public employees getting paid by the taxpayers.

Nope. We’re not public employees getting paid by the taxpayers.

Did Mr. Emlen reject or return the housing support payment the council approved? Wasn’t it something like $25k to assist him with securing housing in the same city he manages? But, in the city that allows the temporary city manager to appoint her partner to a department head position and no one notices or comments, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised or shocked.

Did Mr. Emlen reject or return the housing support payment the council approved? Wasn’t it something like $25k to assist him with securing housing in the same city he manages? But, in the city that allows the temporary city manager to appoint her partner to a department head position and no one notices or comments, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised or shocked.

Hey, fastfwed, don't get those (department formally known as) Parks & Community Services people started. They're still smarting from the department's "friends and family" hiring plan…

Hey, fastfwed, don't get those (department formally known as) Parks & Community Services people started. They're still smarting from the department's "friends and family" hiring plan…

Did you bother to inquire how much of the firefighters’ overtime was earned in task force work fighting wildfires outside of Davis, and thus rechargeable to other agencies? This is not an insignificant factor to conside before pointing fingers at city expenditures!

Did you bother to inquire how much of the firefighters’ overtime was earned in task force work fighting wildfires outside of Davis, and thus rechargeable to other agencies? This is not an insignificant factor to conside before pointing fingers at city expenditures!

Someone already posted that information in the comment section, it accounts for about 17% of the overtime expenditures.

Someone already posted that information in the comment section, it accounts for about 17% of the overtime expenditures.

It isn’t clear to me how much it would cost the City to replace overtime hours with hired personnel including the usual package of benefits. That’s if the hours presented would have needed police or fire response?

Our fire and police have a contractual obligation to respond to other cities when needed and Davis benefits from the same reciprocal arrangement. How many times do units from i.e. Woodland come in to Davis and what would it cost us if we didn’t need that?