WEST CHESTER TWP. – Adjustments made to wages for a dozen West Chester Township employees will have a minimal effect on the 2022 budget.
Altogether, the nearly $55,000 increase represents only .24 percent of the $23.2 million salary budget for next year, said Lisa Brown, the township’s assistant administrator.
The wage increases – mostly to supervisory positions in public safety – were the second adjustments made to employee pay as part of an organizational analysis begun in early 2020. Last year wages were adjusted for non-union, non-supervisory positions, Brown said.
At that time the study showed wages were below those from other similar governing bodies and the private sector. Once those were increased, the focus turned to 13, non-union, supervisory, director, and other similar positions.
“We found we had our union wages bumping right next to our supervisory wages,’’ Brown said. “We were hearing more people commenting and grumbling, even from the union side.”
Brown said wages for some supervisors – particularly those in public safety – were very close to what others in union positions were making. That was due, in part, she said, because those represented by a bargaining unit were eligible for overtime while those in supervisory positions were not.
“We had our union wages bumping right next to our supervisory wages,” Brown said.
“It was definitely a concern every time we promote. We want a good candidate pool. This allows us to provide a financial incentive to move up in the organization.”
Although wages were adjusted, not everyone in the affected positions received pay increases.
The move met with kudos from trustees, who unanimously approved the adjustment, which takes effect in January.
“We need to attract and retain the best for West Chester,’’ said Trustee Mark Welch.
“It minimally impacts our township budget,’’ added Trustee Lee Wong.
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