HILO — 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 at the 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, chair 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 Fiance Department attend the next meeting.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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