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Appendix <br /> Employee Compensation <br /> Background <br /> Since 1994-95, the Orange County employee pay plan has included three components: <br /> 1. A cost of living adjushnent for County employees to recognize changes in the cost of living and the <br /> labor market. <br /> 2. A career growth recognition award to provide a means for employees whose performance is rated <br /> "effective" or higher to progress to higher levels in the salary range. <br /> 3. A performance award as a one time, lump sum payment which does not become a part of <br /> permanent salary for an employee whose work performance is rated "highly effective" or <br /> "outstanding" to recognize specific work performance accomplishments and achievements during <br /> the year. <br /> 1997-98 Pay Objectives <br /> The Manager's Recommended Budget for 1997-98 continues the three pay components with <br /> modification to the Career Growth and Performance Awards to respond to concerns expressed by the <br /> Board of Commissioners and by County department heads. The objectives we are seeking to <br /> accomplish through the recommended changes include the following: <br /> • Address the Board's concern as to the relative number of employees receiving highly effective <br /> Performance Awards and variability by department in the proportion of highly effective <br /> Performance Awards. <br /> • Give department heads more flexibility in recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of the <br /> department's employees. <br /> • Recognize the needs of lower salaried employees. <br /> • Maintain a competitive pay plan in relation to other area local government employers. <br /> • Respond to salary compression (that is, new employee salaries which are close to the salaries of <br /> longer service employees). <br /> Pay Plan As Proposed In Manager's Recommended Budget <br /> The table below shows the pay components in the Manager's Recommended Budget and projected cost. <br /> Projected FY <br /> Com neat Amount Effective 97-98 Cost* <br /> Cost of Living 2.5% 7-14-97 $527,000 <br /> Career Growth Salary increase if performance"Proficient"or"Exemplary;" With perfor- $261,000 <br /> Recognition Award If in lower 3/4 of salary range,2.5%, mane review <br /> If in top 1/4 of range, 1.25% <br /> Performance Award Lump sum awarded by department head from department With perfor- $160,000 <br /> allocation mane review or <br /> later <br /> *Includes about$200,000 in continuation funds for Performance Awards from FY 96-97 <br /> 28 <br />