Panel discusses issue of salary inversion in some departments

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Six Hawaii County department heads and seven deputy directors make less than their subordinates, an issue the county’s Salary Commission will focus on at a meeting next month.

Six Hawaii County department heads and seven deputy directors make less than their subordinates, an issue the county’s Salary Commission will focus on at a meeting next month.

The five-member commission, which determines salaries for the county’s top officials, met Friday for the first time in two years to consider whether additional raises are warranted.

Salary inversion, when an employee makes more than their boss, often a result of union-negotiated pay raises and overtime, was a main topic of discussion, with the commission scheduling another meeting Feb. 17 in Hilo Council Chambers to further delve into the pay discrepancies.

Human Resources Director Sharon Toriano said that could become a bigger problem later this year as negotiations continue with each of the unions representing county employees.

“With negotiations going on, we are at risk of falling behind in executive pay,” she said.

Toriano suggested the commission reinstate a long-term pay plan for executives.

Guy Schutte, chairman of the county’s Police Commission, recommended in a letter that the police chief receive a salary 20 percent above the highest paid subordinate.

According to a table presented by Deputy Human Resources Director Bill Brilhante, Police Chief Paul Ferreira makes $130,818, while an assistant police chief is projected to make $145,968. That’s also above Deputy Chief Kenneth Bugado’s salary of $126,894.

In comparison, Mayor Harry Kim makes $132,000.

While fairness is an issue, there’s also the question of what the county can afford.

Toriano said balancing the budget is always a concern for the “county and its taxpayers.”

She added that raises also could mean higher retirement costs.

“There is a compound effect,” Toriano said.

Salary Commission members requested a representative of the Finance Department attend the next meeting.

Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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2017 salary projections

* Subordinate positions with higher pay than director or deputy director in bold

FINANCE

– Director: $110,244

– Deputy: $104,502

– Property tax administrator: $121,464

HUMAN RESOURCES

– Director $99,000

– Deputy: $94,284

– Human Resources manager II: $101,988

PLANNING

– Director: $99,000

– Deputy: $94,284

– Planning program manager: $109,692

CORPORATION COUNSEL

– Director: $110,244

– Deputy: $104,502

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

– Director: $99,000

– Deputy: $94,284

– Economic development specialist III: $65,616

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

– Director: $99,000

– Information systems program manager: $89,976

HOUSING

– Director: $99,000

– Housing and community development specialist V: $84,624

POLICE

– Chief: $130,818

– Deputy: $126,894

– Assistant chief: $145,968

FIRE

– Chief: $130,818

– Deputy: $126,894

– Assistant chief: $120,336

LIQUOR CONTROL

– Director: $99,000

– Administrative officer: $96,228

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY

– Prosecutor: $113,580

– Deputy: $107,904

PUBLIC WORKS

– Director: $110,244

– Deputy: $104,502

– Civil Engineer VII: $123,780

PARKS AND RECREATION

– Director: $99,000

– Deputy: $94,284

– Park planner: $97,248

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

– Director: $110,244

– Deputy: $104,502

– Civil engineer VII: $121,464

MAYOR’s OFFICE

– Mayor: $132,000

– Managing director: $119,004

– Deputy managing director: $115,008

COUNTY COUNCIL

– Council chairperson: $58,008

– Council members: $52,008

Other top legislative positions:

– County clerk: $99,000

– Deputy county clerk: $94,284

– Legislative auditor: $99,000