Title
Request to hire a Bridge Engineer at a starting salary more than 10% above base pay.
Body
Recommended Action: Approve starting salary.
Public Works is losing two Bridge Engineers to retirement, 9/30/11 & 12/31/11. This represents 52 years of combined experience. One of the positions was targeted in the RIF for 2012, leaving one Bridge Engineer on staff. Since both are retiring, Public Works has gained approval to post the opening and fill it not sooner than 10/1/11.
Alternatives: N/A
Financial Considerations: The retirement of the two Bridge Engineers represents a savings in 2012 of $190,000, both were at the top of their salary range. The RIF of one engineer ($95,000 including benefits) was part of Public Works plan to meet targeted budget reductions. The other engineer position is fully funded in the 2012 budget adopted 8/3/11. In order to hire an experienced engineer to replace the 52 years of experience, we will be in competition with other Public and Private entities. For example, we know KDOT will start an engineer with the experience we are looking for at almost $70,000. The minimum starting salary for an engineer is $54,614; 10% above the minimum is $60,075 and the midpoint is $67,177. Therefore, we believe $72,000 is a fair starting salary for an experienced, quality engineer to run our bridge design, maintenance and inspection program.
Policy Considerations: Sedgwick County Policy 4.2001, starting pay that exceeds 10% of the minimum wage for the position requires approval by the BOCC; Sedgwick County Policy 4.307, relocation expenses.