AGENDA 2015 Independent Salary Commission Meeting 9:00 AM - Tuesday, November 24, 2015 Council Conferencing Room 720, City Hall 1055 S.

Transcription

1 AGENDA 2015 Independent Salary Commission Meeting 9:00 AM - Tuesday, November 24, 2015 Council Conferencing Room 720, City Hall 1055 S. Grady Way 1. INTRODUCTION a) Selection of Chair/Vice Chair (per RMC ) b) Process of 2004 Council Salary Adjustment c) Roles and Responsibilities 2. BACKGROUND a) Councilmember Duties 3. COMPENSATION COMPARISON a) Comparable Cities Information b) Q & A Regarding Compensation 4. COMMITTEE DELIBERATION 5. NEXT STEPS a) Information Regarding Referendum b) Next Meeting?

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3 AGENDA ITEM #1. b) Amenas OR]) 4757 CITY Of RENTON, WASHINGTON ORDINANCE NO AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON, AMENDING SECTION 1-5-I.C OF CHAPTER 5, COUNCIL, OF TITLE I (ADMINISTRATIVE) OF ORDINANCE NO ENTITLED CODE OF GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON BY INCLUDING THE DEFERRED COMPENSATION BENEFIT IN THE CITY COUNCTLMEMBERS SALARY DESCRIPTION. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON, DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION L Section C of Chapter 5, Council, of Title I (Administrative) of Ordinance No entitled Code of General Ordinances of the City of Renton, Washington is hereby amended to read as follows: C. The salaries of the Councilmembers are hereby fixed at nine hundred fifty dollars ($950.00) per month plus 2% of salary for deferred compensation, plus for those Councilmembers not participating in PERS, an extra 1.4 % of salary for deferred compensation. However, the compensation of such elected officials who fix their own compensation shall not be increased during their terms of office, and as limited by the Constitution and statutes of the State of Washington. SECTION II. This ordinance shall be effective upon its passage, approval, and 30 days after publication. PASSED BY TIlE CITY COUNCIL this 19th day of July -, OiirJ Bonnie I. Walton, City Clerk I

4 ORDNANCE NO AGENDA ITEM #1. b) APPROVED BY THE MAYOR this 19th day of July, Kathy olker-wheeler, Mayor Approved as to form: Lawrence 3. Warre ;ty Attorney Date ofpublication: 7/23/2004 C summary) ORD. I 120;6/7/04:ma 2

5 11/2/2015 RCW : Salary commissions. RCW AGENDA ITEM #1. c) Salary commissions. (1) Salaries for elected officials of towns and cities may be set by salary commissions established in accordance with city charter or by ordinance and in conformity with this section. (2) The members of such commissions shall be appointed in accordance with the provisions of a city charter, or as specified in this subsection: (a) Shall be appointed by the mayor with approval of the city council; (b) May not be appointed to more than two terms; (c) May only be removed during their terms of office for cause of incapacity, incompetence, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office or for a disqualifying change of residence; and (d) May not include any officer, official, or employee of the city or town or any of their immediate family members. Immediate family member as used in this subsection means the parents, spouse, siblings, children, or dependent relatives of the officer, official, or employee, whether or not living in the household of the officer, official, or employee. (3) Any change in salary shall be filed by the commission with the city clerk and shall become effective and incorporated into the city or town budget without further action of the city council or salary commission. (4) Salary increases established by the commission shall be effective as to all city or town elected officials, regardless of their terms of office. (5) Salary decreases established by the commission shall become effective as to incumbent city or town elected officials at the commencement of their next subsequent terms of office. (6) Salary increases and decreases shall be subject to referendum petition by the people of the town or city in the same manner as a city ordinance upon filing of such petition with the city clerk within thirty days after filing of the salary schedule. In the event of the filing of a valid referendum petition, the salary increase or decrease shall not go into effect until approved by vote of the people. (7) Referendum measures under this section shall be submitted to the voters of the city or town at the next following general or municipal election occurring thirty days or more after the petition is filed, and shall be otherwise governed by the provisions of the state Constitution, or city charter, or laws generally applicable to referendum measures. (8) The action fixing the salary by a commission established in conformity with this section shall supersede any other provision of state statute or city or town ordinance related to municipal budgets or to the fixing of salaries. (9) Salaries for mayors and councilmembers established under an ordinance or charter provision in existence on July 22, 2001, that substantially complies with this section shall remain in effect 1/2

6 11/2/2015 RCW : Salary commissions. unless and until changed in accordance with such charter provision or ordinance. [2001 c734.1 Notes: Findings -- Intent c 73: The legislature hereby finds and declares that: (1) Article XXX, section 1 of the state Constitution permits midterm salary increases for municipal officers who do not fix their own compensation; (2) The Washington citizens commission on salaries for elected officials established pursuant to Article XXVIII, section 1 of the state Constitution with voter approval has assured that the compensation for state and county elected officials will be fair and certain, while minimizing the dangers of midterm salary increases being used to influence those officers in the performance of their duties; (3) The same public benefits of independent salary commissions should be extended to the setting of compensation of municipal elected officers; and (4) This act is intended to clarify the intent of the legislature that existing state law authorizes: (a) The establishment of independent salary commissions to set the salaries of city or town elected officials, county commissioners, and county councilmembers; and (b) The authority of the voters of such cities, towns, and counties to review commission decisions to increase or decrease such salaries by means of referendum. [2001 c AGENDA ITEM #1. c) Severability c 73: If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected. [2001 c 73 6.] hilp:llapp.leg.wa.gov/rcw/defatitaspx?cite=352l

7 1-5-1 OF CHAPTER 5, COUNCIL, OF TITLE I (ADMiNISTRATIVE), ADOPTING A CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON ORDINANCE NO AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON, AMENDING SECTION ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: of the City Council, which was most recently done in July 2004 via Ordinance No. 5090; and Members in a more consistent and uniform manner as other elected city officials; which is adjusted regularly; and elected officials; and municipalities to establish an independent salary commissions to review and set the salaries for conjunction with regular budget processes; and for the elected Judge to be at least ninety-five percent (95%) of a district court judge salary AGENDA ITEM #1. c) NEW CHAPTER 20, ENTITLED INDEPENDENT SALARY COMMISSION, OF TITLE II (COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS), AND AMENDING SECTION OF CHAPTER 3, SALARIES, OF TITLE V (FINANCE AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS) OF THE RENTON MUNICIPAL CODE, ESTABLISHING AN INDEPENDENT SALARY COMMISSION. WHEREAS, the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) section authorizes WHEREAS, The City Council currently reviews and sets compensation for the members WHEREAS, The City Council currently sets compensation for the Mayor by ordinance in WHEREAS, Ordinance No adopted on December 11, 2006 sets the compensation WHEREAS, the Council wishes to address the compensation of the City Council NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON, DOES 1

8 Duties; Salaries, of Chapter 5, Council, of Title I (Administrative) of the Renton Municipal Code, as follows: Purpose fifty dollars ($950.00) per month plus two percent (2%) of salary for deferred Qualifications Meetings one point four percent (1.4%1 of salary for deferred compensation. However, the compensation, plus for those Councilmembers not participating in PERS, an extra hereby amended to add a new Chapter 20, entitled Independent Salary Commission to read statutes of the State of Washington. The salaries of Councilmembers may also be be increased during their terms of office, and as limited by the Constitution and compensation of such elected officials who fix their own compensation shall not ORDINANCE NO. 7 3 SECTION I. Subsection C of subsection 1-5-1, Number of Councilmembers; is hereby amended as follows: C. The salaries of the Councilmembers are hereby fixed at nine hundred CHAPTER 20 INDEPENDENT SALARY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM #1. c) Membership Commission Established 20, Independent Salary Commission. SECTION II. Title II (Commissions and Boards) of the Renton Municipal Code, is SECTION: adlusted according to the procedures and rules established by chapter RMC 2-2

9 AGENDA ITEM #1. c) ORDINANCE NO Responsibilities Effective Date Salaries Salary Schedule Subject To Referendum Petition COMMISSION ESTABLISHED: An Independent Salary Commission is hereby established pursuant to RCW , hereinafter referred to as the City of Renton Independent Salary Commission ( Commission ) PURPOSE: The Commission shall review and establish the salaries of the Councilmembers and exercise the powers and perform the duties established by RCW , as now existing or hereafter amended. For the purposes hereof, the salary authority of the independent salary commission shall include all compensation that may be paid to or received by councilmembers, whether or not it is identified as salary QUALIFICATIONS: A. Members must be a resident of the City for at least one (1) year immediately preceding such appointment, and a registered voter of King County. B. No officer, official, or employee of the City or any of their immediate family members may serve on the Commission. Immediate family member as used in this subsection means the patents, spouse, siblings, children, or denendent relatives of the officer, official, or employee, whether or not living in the household of the officer, official, or employee. 3

10 MEMBERSHIP: salary schedule has been filed with the City Clerk or until determination is made from among its voting members. political affiliations and shall serve without compensation MEETINGS: that no salary adjustment is appropriate. No member may be appointed to more the same manner as appointments in subsection B of this section. malfeasance in office or for a disqualifying change of residence. appointment and Council confirmation, until the salary review is complete and a than two (2) terms on the Commission, whether or not those terms are held terms of office for cause including incapacity. incompetence, neglect of duty, or consecutively. confirmation by the City Council. Members shall be selected without respect to ORDINANCE NO A. Number of Members: The Commission shall consist of five (5) members. B. Appointment: Members shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to C. Terms: Members of the Commission shall serve their term upon D. Removal: Members may be removed by the Mayor, only, during their E. Vacancies: Vacancies occurring shall be filled for the unexpired terms, in F. Quorum: Three (3) members shall constitute a quorum. G. Chair and Vice-Chair: The Commission shall elect a chair and vice-chair A. The Mayor will appoint appropriate staff to assist the Commission. AGENDA ITEM #1. c) 4

11 AGENDA ITEM #1. c) ORDINANCE NO B. The Commission shall keep a written record of its proceedings, which shall be a public record in accordance with State law, and shall actively solicit public comment at all meetings. The meetings shall be subiect to the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter RCW. as amended or recodified. C. The Commission shall meet as often as necessary in order to file a schedule with the City Clerk, on or before November 30, Once a schedule has been filed, the Commission will not meet until the City Council confirms a new Commission for purposes of further studying City Council compensation RESPONSIBILITIES: The Commission shall have the following responsibilities: A. To study the relationship of salaries to the duties of Council President and Councilmembers and to study the costs personally incurred by Councilmembers in performing such duties B. To study the relationship of Renton Council salaries and benefits to those salaries and benefits of Councilmembers in surrounding City iurisdictions and other current market conditions; C. To establish salary and benefits by either increasing or decreasing the existing salary and benefits of each position by an affirmative vote of not less than three (3) members; and 0. To review and file a salary and compensation schedule with the City Clerk no later than November 30, Future Commissions shall have ninety (90) 5

12 effective in the amounts, at the times, and under the conditions established in into the City budget without further action of the City Council or the necessary salary and compensation schedule. days after confirmation by the City Council to complete their review and file the EFFECTIVE DATE SALARIES: of a valid referendum petition, the salary increase or decrease shall not go into Commission SALARY SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO REFERENDUM PETITION: within thirty (30) days after filing of the salary schedule. In the event of the filing subsepuent terms of office. the same manner as an ordinance upon filing of such petition with the City Clerk Council elected officials, regardless of their terms of office. the schedule. to incumbent Council elected officials at the commencement of their next ORDINANCE NO A. The Commission established or amended salary schedule will become D. Salary decreases established by the Commission shall become effective as AGENDA ITEM #1. c) effect until approved by vote of the people. ordinance related to the budget or to the fixing of salaries. B. Any increase or decrease in salary shall become effective and incorporated C. Salary increases established by the Commission shall be effective as to all E. Any adjustment of salary by the Commission shall supersede any City A. Salary increases and decreases shall be subiect to referendum petition in 6

13 AGENDA ITEM #1. c) ORDINANCE NO B. Referendum measures under this section shall be submitted to the voters of the City at the next following general or municipal election occurring thirty (30) days or more after the petition is filed, and shall be otherwise governed by the provisions of the Washington State Constitution, Chapter 1-2 Renton Municipal Code, or laws generally applicable to referendum measures. SECTION III. Section 5-3-1, Salaries of Elective Officers, of Chapter 3, Salaries, of Title V (Finance and Business Regulations) of the Renton Municipal Code, is hereby amended as follows: SALARIES OF ELECTIVE OFFlCRIALS: The elective officials, consisting of the Mayor and members of the City Council, shall receive the salaries fixed and established by City ordinances from time to time and as otherwise provided by law. The salaries of Councilmembers may also be adjusted according to the procedures and rules established by chapter RMC 2-20, Independent Salary Commission. SECTION IV. This ordinance shall be effective upon its passage, approval, and thirty (30) days after publication. PASSED BYTHE CIVtCOUNCILthIs 19th dayof October,2015. Jasoh,Ierk 7

14 AGENDA ITEM #1. c) ORDINANCE NO APPROVEDBYTHEMAYORth1s 19th dayof October,2015. Denis Law, Mayor ZA7 Approved as to form: Lawrence J. Warren, City Attorney Date of Publication: 10/23/2015 (summary) ORD: 1885 :10/5/15:scr 8

15 AGENDA ITEM #2. a) 2014 COUNCIL MEETINGS Council Meeting 37 Committee of the Whole 34 Finance Committee 21 Community Services Committee 5 Planning & Development Committee 17 Transportation Committee 12 Public Safety Committee 8 Utilities Committee 8 TOTAL COUNCIL MEETINGS Council Meeting 33 Committee of the Whole 35 Finance Committee 17 Community Services Committee 9 Planning & Development Committee 17 Transportation Committee 14 Public Safety Committee 9 Utilities Committee 5 TOTAL 139 Additional Meetings Council Retreat 2 eight-hour days each year Legislative Action Day - Annually councilmembers (2-3) go to Olympia in February to spend an entire day meeting with State Legislators regarding Renton s Legislative Priorities. Budget Workshops Typically 1 eight hour day or numerous extended Committees of the Whole Inclusion Task Force (two councilmembers appointed by mayor) bi-monthly Firemen s Pension Board (Finance Committee Chair) monthly LEOFF Board (two councilmembers appointed by mayor) monthly 2 RFA Planning Committees (three councilmembers each) - monthly Investment Committee (Finance Committee Chair) quarterly Hotel/Motel Tax Advisory Board (one councilmember) quarterly Renton Airport Advisory Committee (one councilmember from Trans. Comm.) bi-monthly

16 AGENDA ITEM #2. a) Regional Representation South County Area Transportation Board (one councilmember) - monthly Eastside Transportation Partnership (one councilmember) monthly Regional Transit Committee (one councilmember) monthly Regional Water Quality Committee (one councilmember) monthly Economic Development Council (one councilmember) monthly Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee (one councilmember) monthly Emergency Management Advisory Council (one councilmember) monthly I-405 Executive Board (one councilmember) monthly Growth Management Planning Council (one councilmember) monthly Domestic Violence Initiative Board (one councilmember) monthly Puget Sound Regional Council Transportation Policy Board (one councilmember) monthly Committee to End Homelessness (one councilmember) monthly WRIA 8 (Salmon Conservation Policy Board) (one councilmember) monthly Growth Management Policy Board (one councilmember) monthly Pipeline Safety Committee (one councilmember) monthly Forensics Investigation Council (one councilmember) bi-monthly Sound Cities Association Meetings (usually 3-4 councilmembers) - monthly

17 Jurisdiction Population Form of Government Salary Commission Councilmember Monthly Salary Council President (or Equiv)Salary Medical Benefits Auburn 73,235 Mayor/Council x $ 1,200 $ 1, x Bellevue 134,400 Council/Manager $ 1,650 $ 1, x Everett 104,900 Mayor/Council $ 2,248 $ 2, x 2015 City Council Salary / Benefits Survey as of 11/16/2015 Details/Other $50/meeting up to $200/mo. Medical coverage is for all council or none and is voted on each year, currently they are not covered. No city contribution to 457 optional FSA, car allowance $270/month, phone allowance $65/month, can elect to have 6.2% city match into def comp in lieu of Social Security. EE only med coverage, city cost ranges from $576 $645/mo based on plan and member cost $19.55 $68 No city contribution to 457 plan. Med coverage is member only and city pays 90%, member pays 10%. City pays for life and ltd for member as well. Kent 120,500 Mayor/Council x $ 1,146 $ 1, x Kirkland 81,340 Council/Manager x $ 1,100 $ 1, x Redmond 55,360 Mayor/Council x $ 1,000 $ 1, x Tukwila 19,210 Mayor/Council $ 1,164 $ 1, x Federal Way 89,720 Mayor/Council x $ 1,150 $ 1, Renton 97,130 Mayor/Council x $ 950 $ x No city contribution to 457 plan. Med coverage is member only and their contribution is same as other non reps $225/month car allowance. Med coverage is offered or $300 allowance is given in lieu of these benefits. Also receive city paid life ins. No city contribution to 457 $50/month phone allowance. Medical cov is member only and cost to city is $1247/mo, council members pay half is cov is elected. No city contribution to 457 Medical coverage is offered for members only and paid 100% by city. No city contribution to 457 plan Receive $475/mo into a VEBA account. Can elect to have 6.2% city match into def comp in lieu of social security, No city contribution to 457 Med coverage for ee only city pays $535.66, member pays City contributes 2% to 457, and 1.4% in lieu of pension Average 86,199 $ 1,290 $ 1,427 % difference 12.7% 26.3% 33.4% AGENDA ITEM #3. a)

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19 AGENDA ITEM #4. Current Salary Current Benefits Notes $950 Med coverage for ee only - City pays $535.66, member pays City contributes 2% to 457, and 1.4% in-lieu of pension. CURRENT ADJUSTMENT? OPTION 1: Increase Increase Salary to: Increase Benefits to: Effective Date: $ OPTION 2: Decrease Decrease Salary to: Decrease Benefits to: Effective Date: $ OPTION 3: Status Quo FUTURE ADJUSTMENT? OPTION 1: Index the compensation to a commonly available cost inflator or fixed percentage? If so, which index or percentage? OPTION 2: Future salary commission to decide.

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21 AGENDA ITEM #4. CITY OF IS SA UAH WASHINGTON P.O. Box 1307 lssaquah, WA issaquahwa.gov To Fred Butler, Mayor Tina Eggers, City Clerk From: 2015 lndependent Salary Commission Re: Formal Report, Findings & Conclusíons - Salary and Compensation Schedule Date: June l-6, 20L5 The lndependent Salary Commission ('Commission') is established by IMC 2.90 as an independent decision-making body charged with evaluating the full compensation, including salaries and benefits, for lssaquah City Council positions. The Commission is to review and file a Salary and Compensation Schedule with the City Clerk no later than June 30, Commission Membership The Commission is made up of five members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council Commission members serve until the term expires on June 30, 20L5 or at the time the salary schedule is filed with the City Clerk. The 2015 lndependent Salary Commission is composed of the following members: L. Bernadette Anne, Chair 2. Linda Dunn 3. Charlie Hafenbrack 4. Sean Pedersen 5. Joe Verner, Vice-Chair Process The Commission met for the first time on May 6,ZOLS and scheduled seven additional open, public meetings. Each meeting included an opportunity for audience comments. With the expectation of the public hearing, noted further below, there were no public attendees, other than City staff. The Commissioners sought clear and specific data to understand more about the current commitments of lssaquah's Councilmembers as well as to understand the compensation level of Councilmembers of other cities in our region. 1,. An online survey was developed to collect information about lssaquah Councilmembers' time commitments for meetings, prep and study time, travel time required for their assignments and time they spend interacting with citizens for their role as a Councilmember. Questions also covered the type and amounts of expenses they incurred, if they sought reimbursement and if not, why not. All seven Councilmembers participated in

22 AGENDA ITEM #4. the survey. The Commission evaluated the results individually and as a whole without regard to the identities of the responders. 2. The Commission asked City staff to collect the following data points for 20 cities in the region, which, coincidentally, each also had seven Councilmembers. Equivalent positions in each jurisdiction were collected. a a a a a I a Date of lncorporation Population Area (square miles) Assessed Valuation Median Residence Value Number of regular council meetings Councilmember salary and benefits, including any additional amounts for Council President or Deputy Council President On June 8,2OL5, the Commission held a formal public hearing. lssaquah business owner and resident Connie Marsh recommended that the Councilmembers did not need any additional monetary compensation; however, instead could really benefit from a.5 stafi FTE to support the Councilmembers' workload to understand the information and to help prepare for their meetings and decisions. A review of the Survey results found that Councilmembers did not make this request, when asked for any additional information the Commíssion should consider. lt was noted that staffíng fell outside the authorization granted to the Commission in IMC lnformation and Data for Consideration The Commission considered a large amount of salary and compensation data gathered over the course of íts meetings. lnformation from the City of lssaquah íncluded: 1,. lssaquah Councilmember's current salary and total compensation levels and the previously established salaríes set in 2002 and Councilmember Assignments 3. The 2014 and 20L5 budget, revenue and expenditures for the City of lssaquah and specifically for the lssaquah City Council. 4. Financíal status report of the City of lssaquah and the General Fund Financial Forecast of May 31, Current healthcare benefit plans for the City of lssaquah and information on current benefits and retirement issues that may affect Councilmembers. 6. Survey responses that requested information on: a. Number of hours spent (on a monthly basis) by Councilmembers conducting City Council business, including regularly scheduled Council meetíngs and additional committees, commissions a nd events. b. Allowable expenses incurred by Councilmembers but not reimbursed. c. Non-allowable expenses incurred by Councilmembers. d. General information about Councílmember's background on the Council. City of lssaquah 2015 lndependent Salary Commission Report Dated: June L6, 2015 Page 2 of 5

23 AGENDA ITEM #4. Sources for data for 20 cities in the region included t Compensation Report of the Association of Washington Cities 2. Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) database 3. County tax assessor valuations 4. QuickFacts.Census.Gov 5. Compensation and benefit information from the Human Resources contacts at the cities 6. Financial information from the cities'websites 7. Salory Commission Reports from Mercer lsland, Bothell and Kirkland Stephanie Johnson, HR Analyst, and Diane Marcotte, Finance Director, were available at designated meetings to present material on the above topics and to answer Commissioners' questions. Analysis Council work requires a substantial time commitment, an ability to grasp complex government funding and financing issues and the expertise to delve deeply and quickly into all phases of City functions. The Commission's goal was to look at all aspects of the work and keep in mind that this is an elected, parttime, public service position. Salary and/or benefits should be set at a level that recognizes the degree of work and commitment, but which does not unduly influence, in either direction, the considerat on to run for this public office. Councilmember Hours From the Councilmember Survey Results, the Commissíon used an average of 55 hours/month for a Councilmember's base hours, plus an additional 8-10 hours when serving as Deputy Council President or an additional hours when serving as Council President. Compensotion Salary is generally not the only compensation factor for Councilmembers in other cities. Total compensation is calculated as base salary plus a city's octuol cost of ony benefits offered. The Commission recognized the need to establish a compensation level that reflects the commitment of lssaquah to pay a fair market salary while being fiscally responsible to the citizens. However, the Commission also recognized that it is not possible to compensate the Councilmembers for the true value of the public servíce they provide to the community of lssaquah. Comporison to Other Cities The Commission compared the salary and benefits of 20 cities through a variety of methods. 1,. Calculations compared cities based on population, square miles, median residence value, complexity of city functions, and revenue and expenses. 2. Averages were used in multiple iterations. 3. CPI and COLA progressions from 20O2 to 2015 were considered. 4. Base salary was compared to total compensation. The Commissioners agreed to each present their analysis of the data and a suggested set of findings independently. All five Commissioners, although approaching the analysis from different directions, came to similar findings regarding an amount for base salary. City of lssaquah 20L5 lndependent Salary Commission Report Dated: June 16, 2015 Page 3 of 5

24 AGENDA ITEM #4. ln addition, there was a unanimous and strong consensus among the Commissioners that the gap of 13 years without a salary review or increase was deemed unsustainable for the future of lssaquah governance. Recommendations The Commission strongly makes the following recommendations, while recognizing they fall outside of the purview of IMC From the results of the Councilmember Survey, combined with the review of the legislative expenditure reports, the Commission learned that many Councilmembers do not request reimbursement for allowable expenses either because (1) they were not aware that reimbursement was possible or (2) they did not want to take the time to track the required information. Therefore, to have a complete understanding of the types of expenses which are reimbursable, and what information/receipts/form is required to seek reimbursements, the Commission recommends that Councilmembers receive retraining on the City of lssaquah's expense reimbursement policies and procedures. The Commission recommends training on eligible benefits for elected officials such as the Public Em p loyees' Ret rement System (P ERS.) The Commission strongly urges the City Councilto reconvene the lndependent 5alary Commission at least every two years and no longer than every three years. This recommended timeframe is more equitable to Councilmembers and more practical for the City's budget. Avoiding large 'catch up' increases will allow the City to keep pace with market salary rates and total compensation packages. The Commission is making this recommendation in lieu of an annual cost of living or CPI increase. A salary process which avoids long gaps is needed to maintain professionalism while recognizing the developing and growing nature of our community which increases the time demand on Councilmembers. Findings & Conclusions The 2015 lndependent Salary Commission finds that: t. lssaquah Councilmembers are paid sígnificantly less than their comparable counterparts, on average, in both base salary and benefits. 2. An increase to base salaries and benefíts are in the long term best interest of the City of lssaquah and the cítizens of lssaquah. 3. The Salary and Compensation Schedule is not intended to compensate Councilmembers for work actually performed but rather as recognition of the time, expertise and commitment that this public service work requires. 4. Under lssaquah's expense and reimbursement policies, Councilmembers are eligible for reimbursement of expenses including travel (e.g. mileage, lodging, parking, meals), certain office and operating supplies, and are allowed an annual flat fee reimbursement for internet of However, the City's cell phone reimbursement rate, currently at S20/month, does not extend to the Councilmembers. City of lssaquah 2015 lndependent Salary Commission Report Dated: June 16, 2015 Page 4 of 5

25 AGENDA ITEM #4. NOW THEREFORE, the Commission concludes and implements the following Salary and Compensation Schedule: Section 1. Salary. To continue to attract and maíntain qualified City Councilmember candidates, to keep lssaquah in line with the current market, and to recognize the time commitment that a Councilmember position requires, the Commission hereby determines an increase in salaries is warranted; and hereby establishes the salaries, with an effective date of July I,2Ot5, as follows: POSIT ON Council President Deputy Council President Councilmembers CURRENT SATARY S800/month S750/month $700/month NEW SALARY S1450/month $1350/month S1250/month Section 2. Benefits. To recognize that total compensation for a Councilmember is no longer reflected only by the salary level, the Commission establishes the followinþ new benefits, with the same effective date as set forth in Section L: a. Councilmembers shall be eligíble to participate in the City of lssaquah's 457 deferred compensation plan. b. Councílmembers shall be eligible for the employee monthly cell phone reímbursement rate, currently S2O/month. APPROVED by the lndependent Salary Commission, and FILED with the City Clerk this 16th day of June, dette Anne, Chair Línda Charlíe Hafenbrack Sean Pedersen Joe Verner, Vice-Chair City of lssaquah 2015 lndependent Salary Commission Report Dated: iune 16, 2015 Page 5 of 5