Well you be the judge.
We have 1140 city employees, if you divide that by $93.3 million budgeted for them, that comes to $82,000 per employee, this includes benefits, etc. If you take that number times 72% (the amount of the budget that is only salaries) that comes to $59,000 a year in wages per employee.
Do I think city employees deserve a fair wage and benefits. YES! Do I think these ‘fair’ wages are comparable to the private sector? NO!
Just for fun, why don’t we put city employees wages more comparable to other living wages w/benefits in the private sector, in Sioux Falls. Let’s say $40K + $7K in benefits = $47 K x 1140 = $53.6 million for a city savings of almost $40 million a year.
Conclusion, do I think city employees are overpaid? YES!
