Now It's Up To You

When I sit down to write this blog, I realize that I have a lot to convey, but the average reader won't have time to really pick at the issues. At the very least, I want to answer the following questions:

1. Why did the County favor a pay cut over a furlough?
2. Why did the County reject the Mayor's proposal to offer employees 40 hours of extra vacation?
3. What has UPEA done to address my concerns with the County Council?
4. What can I do?

1. Why did the County favor a pay cut over a furlough?
UPEA supports the idea of a furlough because it would be a temporary solution to what the association views as a temporary problem.

The County Council named two reasons for scrapping the furlough. Firstly, it would be impossible for the County to enact a county-wide policy due to low staffing levels in different departments.

Secondly, the Council sought a solution that would demonstrate to their creditors that the county was on a permanently secure footing. The County's Triple A Bond Rating would be threatened if the county failed to show that it could maintain its reserves. The county would lose upwards of $600,000 if it dropped a single tier in the ratings.

2. Why did the County Council reject the Mayor's proposal to offer 40 hours of extra vacation?
Federal regulations require local governments to make a 40% down payment on any benefits it pays out to its employees. This regulation ensures that governments will have enough funding to pay benefits down the line. The county would not be able to meet this obligation in light of falling revenues.

3. What has UPEA done to address my concerns with the County Council?
UPEA issued a letter to council members outlining three feasible options to mitigate the loss of salary for employees. Todd Sutton is booking appointments with council members to encourage their consideration. Also, UPEA collected comments about the 2.75% cut and will be forwarding those comments to interested council members.

Please read the letter: Letter to Council Members

4. What can I do?
Now it's up to you! Please call your elected Council Member during non-working hours and voice your support of the any or all the options outlined in the letter. Here is a script for what you might say:

• Read the letter carefully. Email tsutton@upea.net if you have questions.
• Be polite.
• Be succinct.
• Stay on the topic of pay.

My name is _____________________ and I am an employee for Salt Lake County. I am calling because I would like you to consider a letter submitted by Utah Public Employees Association on October 30th, 2009, regarding the 2.75% cut in employee salaries. I support the options outlined in the letter and appreciate your consideration in this matter. Thank you.