volusia county pay raises

September 18, 2009
Volusia backs off on pay raises By HEATHER SCOFIELD Staff Writer
DELAND -- In an unexpected twist of events, the Volusia County Council voted unanimously Thursday not to give pay raises to county employees in the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.
The issue of the proposed raises -- and the approximate $2.9 million price tag -- was a controversial one among both the public and elected officials in recent weeks. County Council members were divided in their opinions initially with four members supporting the raises and three opposed.
But on Thursday, Councilman Josh Wagner said his initial support for offering the raises wasn't strong. And pressure from the public combined with new budget shortfalls that were brought to light by staff members Thursday morning had him lean another direction.
"County government is like a jury," Wagner said, adding that the good thing about the comparison is that at the end of the day, there's a result one way or another and the issue is resolved.
Council members Joie Alexander, Pat Northey and County Chairman Frank Bruno each followed suit, rejecting the raises. Each had reasons for supporting the decision. Budget shortfalls that could result in employee layoffs, hard economic times, and hopes of a more united front on the overall budget vote were some things they cited.
Council members said employees had also been affected by the controversy in recent weeks, and many requested officials not approve the raises in fear of further backlash from the people they serve.
As part of their decision to not offer the raises, the council also asked County Manager Jim Dinneen to ensure that wherever possible, county-paid unions, contractors and other indirect employers through the county operate with the same no-raise policy in the coming year.
Each council member also took time during the discussion process to express gratitude to the county's dedicated and hard-working employees.
heather.scofield@news-jrnl.com