How is my starting salary determined?
The City participates in local and national salary surveys. This information is used to ensure that pay rates are competitive with other employers in the labor market. As a new employee, the skills, experience and education you bring to your new job are compared with the job requirements and with other employee salaries within similar job classifications. Your starting salary is determined based on these factors.
Police Officers will generally hire in at Step 1 of the Police Step Rate Plan. If you have previous law enforcement experience, you may be placed in a higher step.
When will I receive my first increase?
Dependent on your job performance, you are eligible to receive a performance review and increase on or about the beginning pay period for April 1. For example, the first pay period for 2006 is March 19, 2006, making this the effective date for all market adjustments and performance increases for 2006.
Police officers and sergeants receive their step increases on their anniversary date.
Are all employees in the same job paid the same?
Employees that occupy the same job are paid within a market target salary range. The factors that determine your placement in the range include your performance on the job, experience, and skills. The market target rate of pay represents approximately 5% more than the market average for comparable jobs within your band and level.
Salaries near 80% of the market target rate for each job are normally appropriate for newly hired employees, employees who are still learning the job, and for employees who perform satisfactorily at the basic level for that job. The employee's salary will advance toward the market target as the employee gains experience and continues to perform the job effectively. Salaries that are above the market target rate are normally paid only to experienced employees, whose routine performance exceeds the requirements of the job.
Employees in a Step Rate Plan generally receive the same pay according to each step in their respective step plan.
Is there a description of my job? If so, may I have a copy?
Each full-time job has a written description that outlines its major job duties and responsibilities as well as necessary skills, experience, education, and physical and mental requirements to perform each job. Your job description will be reviewed periodically to assure that it remains current. You may obtain a copy from your supervisor or access it through the City's Intranet site – OPNet.
What is my job band and level and how was it determined?
Information on your band and level is available from your supervisor. Your job was placed into a band that best fit with the general nature of the work that you perform. Then, based on the qualifications for your job and your duties and responsibilities, your job was placed into a specific level within that band. You can view the current band and level definitions on the City's Intranet site – OPNet.
Where can I obtain information about my current salary?
You should contact your supervisor when you have questions concerning your salary. You may also review your salary and other personal data by accessing the City's Intranet site – OPNet, and selecting HR Self-Service.
Can my salary go over the maximum of my market target or last step?
Employees' salaries may not exceed the maximum established for each market target rate or step rate (firefighters and certain other public safety positions). Actual salaries range from 20% below, to 20% above, the market target rate of pay. Your pay should be within this range.
Police officers and sergeants are paid within a Step Pay Plan. Once an employee reaches the top step, no further increase is granted unless the step system is adjusted to a higher rate.
Both market target rates of pay for City employees and Step Pay Plans for firefighters and certain other public safety positions are periodically assessed and adjusted to reflect current conditions.
How is the annual percentage determined for pay increases?
The overall salary increase budget percentage is based on a number of factors which include:
- the City's current level of pay compared to other employers in the labor market and projected labor market movements,
- current and projected economic conditions, and
- financial conditions of the City.
The City Council annually reviews and approves the City's salary increase budget.
How do our salary plans reflect changes in the cost-of-living as recorded by the Consumer Price Index (CPI)?
The CPI is one commonly referenced measure of inflation, however, it is not directly used in determining the City's rates of pay. The City does, though, consider inflation in determining rates of pay. Each year a survey is conducted of national, regional and local labor markets relative to City jobs. Since salary changes in these markets respond to increases and decreases in inflation, your salary program likewise responds to these changes.
When and how often do I get paid?
The City pay schedule is biweekly, and checks/vouchers are distributed to your department every other Friday.
If I am planning to be absent from work on payday, how do I request an early paycheck?
Prior to your absence, submit a Leave Request form to the Payroll Division. The request must be approved by your Department Director and you must complete the "Advance Payment of Earnings" section. You may pick up your paycheck in the Payroll Office of Human Resources.
How do I sign up for Direct Deposit?
Simply fill out the Direct Deposit Authorization & Order form and attach a blank deposit slip or voided check. Submit the completed Direct Deposit Authorization & Order form to the Payroll Office of Human Resources. If you have questions about direct deposit or if you need a form, please contact the Payroll Office.