10 responses to “Contract negotiations: city staff turnover–not a lot to see here”

1. hollyroller@ gmail.com

   January 26, 2024

   Please share with us your thoughts on how much COB employees should be paid.
   If you are aware of the “Benefit Package” please include that too.
   Start with the COB City Manager.
   Then the COB Fire Dept.
   There are “Secret Benefits Too.”

2. resident

   January 27, 2024

   You first.

3. HMB

   January 28, 2024

   You can look up public employee salaries and benefits on sites like Transparent California. “Secret benefits” is a whole ‘nother kettle of fish.

4. Phinancier

   January 28, 2024

   I’m afraid hollyroller does not have any interest in knowing what actual compensations are and cannot specify these “secret benefits” either. S/he appears to be a unionista who thinks managing is easy, managers are overpaid, and the real work is hard and underpaid. It’s a common illness among those who have never hired, trained, evaluated or had to fire anyone.

5. Timothy Hooker

   January 29, 2024

   I’ve consistently experienced exceptional service from our City’s dedicated members. However, as a strong advocate for continuous improvement, I believe leveraging advanced technology can further enhance our service quality to stakeholders.
   On that note, I’d like to share an insightful article by Deloitte, detailing how cities can harness AI tools for increased operational efficiency: Deloitte on AI in City Operations.
   Additionally, for those interested in the intersection of finance and technology, Wharton, where I’m currently pursuing an online Finance program, offers an excellent course on AI applications in business: AI for Business – Wharton Online.
   I firmly believe that our City should aim to be at the forefront of AI technology implementation. It’s about being progressive yet prudent, ensuring our workforce and city infrastructure operate at peak efficiency through the smart adoption of AI solutions.
   Best regards,

6. Timothy Hooker

   January 29, 2024

   BV doesn’t allow links so just search for link titles. 🙂

7. Paloma Ave

   January 29, 2024

   In looking up the term progressive, one of the definitions is “a member of a predominantly agrarian minor party that around 1912 split off from the Republicans.”
   I associate the word as “progressing towards more crime, more homelessness and less accountability.”
   That might be just me.

8. hollyroller@ gmail.com

   January 29, 2024

   The COB provides payments for long term employees that live out of the Bay Area.
   Not weeks. Years. Transportation. Food Allowance. Lots of other “little things.”
   These COB Benefits have ZERO to do with Union Contracts. The “Secret Benefits” are for COB Management Only. Everyone involved is COB City Hall Management knows about “Secret Benefits.” No wonder the Regular COB workers are disturbed by the postion of “City Hall.”
   Look it up.

9. Timothy Hooker

   January 30, 2024

   I didn’t know what “Secret Benefits” meant so I asked Ella, my full time tutor: Secret benefits” for city managers, particularly in the context of a Chief Operating Officer (COB), typically refer to less obvious or indirect advantages that can enhance their performance, job satisfaction, and the overall efficiency of the city’s operations. These might not be the first things that come to mind when thinking about the role, but they can be significant in the long run. Here are some examples:
   Network Expansion: City managers often develop extensive networks, including contacts with other city officials, business leaders, and community organizations. These connections can be invaluable for future projects or career advancement.
   Deep Community Insights: Through their work, city managers gain an in-depth understanding of the community’s needs, challenges, and dynamics. This knowledge can be powerful in making more informed decisions and in personal growth.
   Leadership and Skill Development: The role offers numerous opportunities for professional development, from improving leadership skills to learning about different facets of city administration and operations.
   Influence on Policy and Change: City managers have a unique opportunity to directly influence policy and bring about meaningful change in their communities, which can be highly rewarding.
   Access to Cutting-Edge Technologies and Practices: City managers are often at the forefront of implementing new technologies and management practices in city governance, which can add to their professional toolkit.
   Recognition and Community Impact: While challenging, the role can bring recognition and a sense of accomplishment, especially when initiatives lead to visible improvements in the community.
   Opportunity for Creative Problem-Solving: City management often involves finding innovative solutions to complex problems, which can be intellectually stimulating and personally satisfying.
   It’s important to note that these “secret benefits” are intangible and can vary widely based on individual experiences, the city’s size and characteristics, and the specific challenges it faces.
   How do you put a dollar figure to “secret benefits” ?

10. Spurinna

    July 14, 2024

    From the SMDJ July13-14
    Burlingame to raise council pay
    ….”Mayor Donna Colson suggested indexing (council pay) to the city’s collective bargaining agreement with the union representing Burlingame employees.”
    “I think it’s just fair,” she said.
    So- if the Union gets a raise the council gets a raise? I can’t see a lot of hard bargaining going into those negotiations.
    You get a raise? I get a raise! And the citizens pay for it. So easy.
    Later Colson notes that “…councilmembers who don’t want the increase could donate it to a local charity of their choice…”
    Or, they could just not take the raise in the first place because, as noted by Councilmember Brownrigg, “that extra $450 a month (isn’t) going to really move a needle.”
    Show some disinterested leadership and don’t give yourselves a raise.