Directors discuss giving raises

The regional trash authority’s board of directors faced a decision Wednesday — give employees raises to maintain quality staff, use the money to hire more budget staff, or save for a rainy day.

Members of the Southeastern Public Service Authority’s Board of Directors discussed that and other budget issues during their meeting Wednesday. Some felt that in a time when tipping fee revenues are decreasing and fuel prices are rising, it would be unwise to give raises.

“I don’t agree with this entire budget,” said June Fleming, who represents Franklin on the board. “I don’t support the budget in its entirety as it stands.”

The board is wrestling with a $49.2 million budget that holds the line on the $145 municipal tipping fee and proposes a 3-percent raise for employees.

SPSA employees saw their last raise on July 1, 2008. Some board representatives noted that many of the member cities have not proposed raises for their staff in the coming fiscal year.

But Chairman Joseph Leafe, who represents Norfolk, said that shouldn’t matter.

“I really do think we need to treat ourselves, or this body as an independent organization,” he said. “It seems to me it is very important that we try to retain our core staff. The costs to hire more experienced people may end up costing your organization a lot more money in the long run.”

Some board members suggested that the money that would be used to provide raises — about $23,000 — could be better used to put another person in the budget department.

Fuel was the No. 1 increased line item from last year. The fuel budget now equals about $1.38 million.

The employer share of health insurance also increased by about 10 percent.

But some decreases came in the budget as well, including capital improvements, equipment maintenance and insurance costs.

The board of directors will hold a public hearing on May 25 at 9:30 a.m. at 723 Woodlake Drive to accept comments on a proposed increase in the construction and demolition tipping fee. The board’s first opportunity to approve the budget will be during that meeting.

To view the budget, visit www.spsa.com.