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Executive committee approves $10,000 raise for Assistant Auditor Philip Peterson
Summary
The Jacksonville Executive Committee approved a $10,000 salary increase for Assistant Auditor Philip Peterson after discussion about staff retention and succession planning; the committee said the raise is required to comply with the municipal code and will be presented later to the full council for appropriation.
The Jacksonville Executive Committee voted to approve a $10,000 salary increase for Assistant Auditor Philip Peterson during a short meeting; committee members said the change is required under the municipal code and intended to help retain key staff.
Kim Taylor, Counsel Auditor, told the committee that "under the municipal code for any pay increase for ... assistant counsel auditor ... it requires the approval of the executive committee," and asked the group to consider increasing starting salaries for two vacant positions and a separate increase for Mr. Peterson.
Taylor said two employees left in late August and early September for positions in the Tax Collector's Office that offered substantially higher pay, and framed the request as an effort to retain staff. Taylor proposed a $10,000 increase for Philip Peterson, raising his salary from $196,170 to $206,170, and said committee approval is required before moving forward to the council for appropriation.
Ron Salem, Group 2 at large, spoke in favor of the raise, saying, "Philip Peterson has been just an outstanding assistant auditor. He is so responsive, whether it's Saturday, Sunday, Friday night, or whatever, he's going to take your call. And, I think provides superior service to the council in terms of anything that comes up." Salem also said while salaries should be competitive, the city offers strong benefits that distinguish public employment from the private sector.
Kevin Carico said he supported the increase partly for succession planning, calling it important to "have a strong number 2 person that's continuing to grow and be groomed." A motion to approve the increase was made and seconded during the meeting; the committee conducted a voice vote and the president announced the motion carried. The transcript does not record the individual vote tally.
The committee did not take public comment at this meeting. Taylor indicated the pay decision will later be reflected in a council appropriation process.
No other substantive business was recorded before the meeting was adjourned.
