Letter: Common sense is not so common (September 7, 2017)
The Daily Press recently referenced a website (transparentcalifornia.com) that provides a wealth of information regarding the compensation of California State, County and City employees (as of 2016). Based on this information, I believe a number of issues are raised, specifically:
The Governor of California received total annual compensation of $270,132.97. The Town Manager of Apple Valley received total annual compensation of $340,412. One Assistant Town Manager received total annual compensation of $322,715. One Assistant Town Manager received total annual compensation of $270,564.
How can Apple Valley justify paying any of their Town Management staff more than the Governor of California? Certainly, from a responsibility standpoint there can be no comparison between that of the Governor and our Town Manager and his numerous Assistant Managers. I also have to ask why Apple Valley requires four Assistant Town Managers? The third and fourth Assistant Town Managers were classified as part-time employees and received total annual compensation of $216,790 and $151,457, respectively. What percentage of time did these part-time employees work?
This website shows Apple Valley spent $1,301,938 annually for the Town Manager and four assistants (not including clerical and administrative support). It’s no wonder we can’t afford to pay for law enforcement and other critical services. I believe this situation is unreasonable and needs to corrected immediately. If you agree, write your Town Council and let them know what you think.
Dean Schepis, Apple Valley
Source: Daily Press