Amidst cries of a struggling economic climate and dwindling township resources, the Independence Township Board of Trustees openly debated on Jan. 17 whether or not to give non-union employees raises.
In a memo to trustees, Supervisor Dave Wagner asked the board to approve approximately $37,000 in raises, almost $10,000 less than the $47,000 budgeted for 2006.
‘I know we have concerns, especially with the economic environment of the community around us,? said Wagner. ‘We’ve talked about Ford, GM? we’ve made comparisons with other area townships, which I just don’t like doing.
‘I think its a good proposal.?
The raises proposed by Wagner average out to 2.5 percent overall; however, most employees actually received a 4 percent raise or higher. The 2.5 percent comes from several new employees not receiving any raise and several township positions not being filled.
Trustee Dan Travis motioned early in the salary discussion to separate elected non-union salaried employees from the non-elected.
‘Myself and my fellow trustees did not run for these positions as pay positions,? said Travis. ‘We ran for them for public service.?
The motion passed unanimously. Travis then motioned for a pay freeze effective for 2006. The motion was seconded for discussion purposes.
Board members debate elected officials salaries
The heated discussion concerning elected, non-union salaried employees showed large gaps in opinion between trustees. Treasurer Jim Wenger later in the meeting compared the dialogue to ‘airing the township’s dirty laundry in public.?
The overall sentiment from board members was 4 percent is too high for elected officials. The idea of a 2 percent raise was brought forth by many trustees.
‘I feel like taking a 4 percent increase is sending the wrong message to citizens,? said Clerk Shelagh VanderVeen. ‘I could live with 2 percent for elected officials.
‘Two percent or zero percent is really insignificant to the overall budget, but it has a psychological effect,? said Wenger. ‘So I’m torn. This is not any easy decision or an easy discussion.
‘I can live with a freeze for elected. I’m uncomfortable with 4 percent.?
Trustees Dan Kelly and Charles Dunn voiced similar opinions that not enough documentation is available supporting the suggested raises. Kelly, however, supported an across-the-board, 2 percent cost of living increase, but nothing more.
‘Frankly, I don’t feel there is enough data to support a raise,? said Kelly. ‘I also am not comfortable as a part-time official deciding the salaries of the full-time officials, the treasurer, clerk and supervisor.?
Trustee Larry Rosso was the only board member to openly support the raises recommended by Wagner, although he could also understand and agree upon a 2 percent raise.
‘We’re here for community dedication. We live in the neighborhoods of the people we represent,? said Rosso. ‘I believe the people in our community believe we are working hard. I think there has to be a value placed upon that work.?
Travis, who made the motion to freeze salaries, reiterated the idea of holding salaries for the year until reviews could be made and further information provided. He did state he would agree to a cost of living adjustment at this point, but nothing more with a merit-based review.
The motion to freeze the elected officials salaries failed four to three (VanderVeen, Travis and Wenger voted for the motion; Rosso, Wagner, Dunn and Kelly against).
A motion passed unanimously for the three township officials to work on the matter further and return to the board with new recommendations. Trustees requested for the raise increases to include some form of rationale and data.

Non-elected employees receive raises
A similarly opinionated discussion led to non-union, non-elected township employees receiving raises as recommended by Supervisor Dave Wagner.
A motion by Trustee Rosso passed four to three (Rosso, Wagner, Dunn and Wenger all voted yes; VanderVeen, Travis and Kelly no) to accept the supervisor’s suggestions.
‘With their dedication, I find what the supervisor’s recommended here very fair,? said Rosso during discussion.
‘Based on the information we have, I am comfortable with it. Overall, it comes under budget, which is fiscally responsible,? said Wenger.
‘I’m just not comfortable with more than 90 percent getting four percent increases,? said Kelly, ‘play with the numbers however you want.
‘That is above and beyond a reasonable cost of living increase. I want the merits and documentation showing these raises were earned or I want a flat cost of living increase.?
Kelly emphasized again the need for evaluations and documentation before giving raises.
Wagner promised trustees formal evaluations will be instituted and conducted before discussion of raises for 2007.
‘I just don’t know that you give raises without a review, but that’s how it’s always been done and that’s going to change,? said Wagner. ‘We will be doing reviews in the upcoming year.?