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| Everyone knows the Schtick of a Magician Pulling a "Rabbit out of the Hat"--But What Would Happen to the Magician that Turns $400K into $1.2 Million (and then hands the bill for $800K to the Board of County Commissioners?) |
The Escambia Board of County Commissioners is currently engaged in bargaining with all of our employee units that are represented by a labor union and that work under collective bargaining agreements.
Some negotiations are going in a positive, predictable manner(e.g. IAEP, PBA, and ATU)---others, well-- not so much...
The board gives the vision and sets the parameters for negotiations, and then sends a team to negotiate on its behalf. That's the way this works.
But in order for us to negotiate intelligently, we rely on good data. It is essential.
We have empowered our team to offer certain concessions to one represented group--to include salary increases as well as other items that are of mutual benefit and importance.
In one recent instance--a generous offer was made by the county for a sizable salary increase.(fortunately it was not accepted by this particular unit's union negotiating team). The board was told it would result in a cost of $400K to the budget.
But again, this generous, good-faith offer was rejected by this union--which was a good thing because the estimated cost of it that was provided to the board was badly flawed.
It was an astonishingly, badly miscalculated number--off by 200%!!
It actually would have amounted to a $1.2 Million Dollar increase to the budget if implemented, NOT $400K.
From a staff email string:
"heads up. This is a concern. FYI......Late last week it was brought to my attention that the $400K offer the board made in good faith based upon staff data and backup provided----would have actually cost us $1.2 Million had it been implemented...When the BCC approved the most recent wage offer... they were advised the increase would cost approximately 400K annually. Based upon Payroll’s calculations, it appears the offer would cost approximately 1.2M annually. (See below and attached.) We may need to discuss this..., confirm the numbers and, if necessary, address this......"
Was this some kind of a setup job? (disclaimer--choice language in the linked clip from the jackpot scene of the movie "Casino"--you are forewarned....)
I still do not have an answer on any of this, but I intend to get one this week.
24 comments:
I know its been hard for you to come out and say it, but it's easy to infer it from this post, about how sorry you were for being grossly misinformed and wrecklessly attacking the fire department over and over again for being overpaid.
It's nice to see you able to humbly swallow your pride and admit you were wrong. It takes a big man to admit how absolutely wrong you were and how inept at your job you were to have such a weak grasp at the current situation. Imagine calling the lowest paid fire department in Florida overpaid? You literally can't be more wrong then that.
Obviously if the department was so overpaid there would be a long line of people applying, no vacancies, and many studies (some county funded) to back up those claims. Only an idiot would think that if it was such a high paying job with such a great retirement and "platinum benefits" that people would be quitting left and right and no one would apply.
Everyone makes mistakes, these things happen. Glad you could learn from this and I'm sure now that you will change your stance on things and work harder to fully support and fund public safety.
Same question I've been asking for a year:
Why on earth does she still have the job?
--Melissa Pino
Congratulations, you singlehandedly have ruined what was once a great fire department. It sucks, just because you have beef with a select few you have ruined it for the majority. I can't wrap my head around why you have so much hate towards the fire department and not willing to support a department that is way underfunded. It's a sinking ship and doesn't look like it's going to get better anytime soon. You say you support public safety. Well how about showing it? All you ever do is bash the department. You never once stood up and spoke about how they saved lives and property. How they spend the holidays away from their family to protect yours. Every other post is attacking the department. Who would want to work for a department that doesn't have any support from the commissioner and is the lowest paid department around here. New hires may take a job, just to have a job, but the first chance they get to leave, bye bye. What was once the best department around has been let down by its commission. I beg you to please stop the bashing of the department. It's only making it worse and without any support it won't be long before it's completely destroyed. This contract will be the most important contract in the history of the department. Many employees are holding on to see the outcome of the contract. I pray it will be fair and competitive. If not, it's about to get really bad for the citizens of Escambia County as far as public safety goes.
Who was in charge of coming up with this offer?
Anonymous 11:39
Factual information isn’t bashing. WE THE PEOPLE deserve to know the FACTS. Sunshine.
The union is continuing its negotiations with the county to address other issues, like starting wages for firefighters. One of those meetings is scheduled for Wednesday. Your blame and anger is misplaced. A few people are spreading false information to undermine the negotiations. I’m glad Commisioner Bergosh is keeping us updated with facts.
love the movie clip.
1139 sees from their particular POV.
thxs for your "at large budget" resolve, Comm Bergosh.
Duh. yes, check the math. 2 + 2 = 1
If the county would stop hiring inbred derelicts that’d be great. Thanks.
"he's teeing up to fire the truth telling budget staff, sounds like ... Interesting that he didn't catch it either. Always shadow boxing for dramatic effect." --Jacqueline Rogers
I'm just going to start posting her disinformation statements here for public perusal.
--Melissa Pino
Like I said on the other blog that lady needs to get a life of her own her name pops up in all the county drama. She’s the town pot stirrer.
Anybody who thinks Bergosh is keeping anyone updated with “facts” has to be legally handicapped.
Anonymous 1010: Not sure you caught the point of the post, apparently you did not. I'd suggest you go back and re-read it very slowly so you can comprehend it. Facts are difficult for some to understand and I see this is challenging for you. But try. Anonymous 11:39--I am bashing nobody, just working through bargaining with multiple units. As you will see if you read today's paper, we just came to terms with the EMT's and Paramedics, giving both big raises. We are moving quickly on the corrections guards and shortly thereafter we will finish with ATU. Perhaps instead of projecting you should instead look at your union's leadership for the answer to the "why" question regarding your contract. The board, myself included, have rolled up our sleeves and we are working but things are not happening. Why? well, maybe it isn't the best strategy for some leadership from your side to throw out garbage "facts" about pay. Maybe it is counterproductive for them to go online and lie about responses and fatalities. Maybe running out every volunteer firefighter in the county wasn't smart. I could go on. Bottom Line is this--start working with those of us who are trying to work with you, stop the bashing and ad hominems on the online chat sites, and start working in earnest to bring this in for a landing. No, you won't get a tax increase reflexively just because you want one. NO, we can't afford to pay you what your peers in blue states and blue cities like LA and NYC make. YES we will work to increase starting pay and YES--if you work a full career you will work your way up to a salary approaching or exceeding 6 figures and if you do 30 years in the fire service----get this---you will be able to retire in your late 40's or early 50's with a pension that equals between 90% and 100% of the average of your high-five years' salary! Additionally, if you participate in DROP--you'll walk out the door with a giant lump sum of between $250-400K----on top of your pension! This in addition to enjoying some of the most inexpensive yet excellent health benefits offered anywhere around with family premiums that are among the lowest of any local government entity around. So yes, it is a good career with a benefits package that is UNRIVALED in the private sector so get with reality and understand that whole package IS part of your compensation. if you work a full career at it and are even mildly responsible with your finances, you will enjoy a comfortable, long retirement that starts about 20 years earlier than most of us will ever see--- but understand it is public service so no you won't get rich at it. Any questions, you can always call me anytime on my cell at 850-293-1459
You really are a bully jeff
Jeff, we've probably lost more career personnel than volunteers in the last 5 years.
Mostly your fault.
Anonymous 7:57
I’m a former fireman and that’s just not true. The administrator was the reason behind a hell of a lot of the problems.
Retire at age 50. Priceless.
Anonymous 7:40
I could say the same about you Wendy.
Retire at Age 50 to only enjoy life for a few years before succumbing to cancer, or having a broke back, or dealing with ptsd, or or or… the list goes on. How about this dumba** commissioner gets his head out of where the sun don’t shine, and starts treating these fireman with respect for being able to do a job that he nor most of society could ever hand or fathom doing.
If you aren’t a former fireman with Escambia county, then you truly have no leg to stand on as it is really the fault of the county commissioners, especially the district 1 commissioner.
Earn respect. You don’t get respect for simply having a job title.
Show proof how it’s all one Commisioners fault. Not speculation, or opinion. Show proof.
Just because you’re a fireman doesn’t mean you automatically deserve respect or ass kissing. John Leonard Orr was a fireman but also a murderer and a serial arsonists. Your job doesn’t define your character.
820 run for office
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