Top county administrator resigns

KEITH LEE

Top county administrator resigns

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in Winder Archives

Wednesday, February 4. 2009

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Barrow County’s chief administrator abruptly resigned Monday after questions were raised about his handling of pay scales for county employees over the past three years.

Keith Lee, who has served as chief of operations since April 2004, submitted his resignation letter to Barrow County Board of Commissioners Chairman Danny Yearwood at 8 a.m. Monday. His last day at work will be Feb. 13.

Lee didn’t explain his decision in the letter, or to Yearwood. He did not respond to a request for an interview.

Lee’s resignation came just six days after the county received a letter from a 2005 consultant stating his company never advised the county’s top administrators to raise employee salaries to the midpoint of their salary ranges after just one year of service, or within one year of the adoption of its new pay scales.

The letter has raised serious questions about the way county officials implemented the pay study – not only because of large widespread staff raises that happened within a year of the study, but also because of the much larger raises that Lee and assistant county administrator Michael Fisher received after the study. Lee and Fischer were the two county officials with the primary responsibility for overseeing the 2005 “Archer Study” of Barrow County salaraies.

According to Barrow records obtained from an open records request, in the three years after the implementation of the pay study, Lee’s salary jumped by $30,125. He earned $88,722 in 2005. Last year, he earned $118,848, the records show.

Fischer’s salary during the same period rose by more than $29,000. Fischer was hired Feb. 28, 2005, at a salary of $60,813. On his first anniversary, four months after the Archer study was implemented, he received a $23,268 raise to a salary of $84,082. In 2008, his salary was raised to $90,158, according to data from the Barrow County Human Resources Department.

For more about Lee's resignation, the issue about the 2005 salary study and a complete list of Barrow government salaries, see this week's Barrow Journal.

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#1 anonymous on 02/04/09 at 02:10 PM [Reply]

Where was the previous chairman when all these outrageous salary increases were granted? Common sense would tell you a $30K salary increase is out of bounds.

#1.1 Anonymous on 02/04/09 at 04:17 PM [Reply]

The bad thing about outrageous salary increases is the Sheriff wants to give a $10K raise to 40 of his deputies. This kind of mentality with todays economic problems, is totally unacceptable.

#1.1.1 Anonymous on 02/04/09 at 10:36 PM [Reply]

About the raises for the Deputies, it not a 10K raise. Would you like to get ready for work by putting on a tiny vest that is suppose to stop a bullet (as long as it is fired from a handgun), kiss your family bye and hope to come home after a 12 hour shift for 30K a year. So, before you start complaining about a raise, sign up and do a ride-a-long with one of these over worked and under paid Deputies. They put there life on the line, even after knowing they were not getting a raise or getting anymore Deputies to help with the growing call volume.

Thank you to the men and women who serve this County. Thank you.

#1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 02/05/09 at 09:16 AM [Reply]

I do agree that the deputies have a dangerous job and I greatly appreciate what they do for this county, but they ALWAYS have the option of getting employment elsewhere. If the county doesn't have the money, then they just don't have the money!

#1.1.2 anonymous on 02/05/09 at 05:05 AM [Reply]

Like the Garrison administration, the previous sheriff was not very astute when it came to implementing salaries and long term impact of those decisions. I feel for Judd having to clean up that mess, but we likely lose some good people and then pay that much and more in training new employees.

#1.1.3 Anonymous on 02/07/09 at 07:48 PM [Reply]

IN THE DEFENSE OF JUD, HE WALKED INTO A PROBLEM THAT WAS THERE
LONG BEFORE HE WAS, AND HE IS JUST TRYING TO CLEAN UP
THE MESS THAT THE PREVIOUS LEFT FOR HIM. JUD IS DOING A
FANTASTIC JOB AND I FOR ONE WOULD MUCH WRATHER SEE OUR
OFFICER'S AND FIREFIGHTER/EMT'S RECIEVE AT LEAST SOME OF WHAT
THEY WERE PROMISED. NOT ONLY DO THEY DESERVE IT BUT THEY
EARN IT EVERYDAY, WHILE KEEPING YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES SAFE.
GREAT JOB JUDD, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

#1.1.3.1 Anonymous on 02/10/09 at 08:58 PM [Reply]

asking for $400K in raises is not keeping me safer. if you don't like your job or what you make, find another profession. i have insurance on my house and a gun by my bed, so don't give me that b.s. about keeping me safer.

#1.1.3.2 Anonymous on 02/10/09 at 08:58 PM [Reply]

#1.1.4 Interested bystander on 02/10/09 at 09:57 AM [Reply]

The sheriff would have more money to pay salaries if his deputies weren't driving patrol cars to their home when they live in other counties. One patrol car is parked on a daily basis on Sanford Road in Madison County!!

#1.2 happy employee on 02/09/09 at 12:02 PM [Reply]

Mike,
the only thing you did was create lots of turmoil and tension in the offices we have to work in everyday. If the taxpayers wanted to know all this info, yes its open record act, so why can't they get off thier lazy tail and find out whatever they wanted to . I work 3 jobs and still took a pay cut, I am very happy to get up and come to my job everyday. I try to make every taxpayer happy, but guess what that is IMPOSSiBLE!but just thanks MIKE way to go, now everyone can be a you know what to the citizens, bc, of all the tension in our inter offices now. If the media would go away my heavens what a peacful world we could live in. but we can't live without these NOSEY < NOSEY, people. May GOD bless you and I hope you got OFF!!!!!You left out the K's that the teachers and superintents make..HELLO taxpayers do you really know where your money is? forgot all about the schools , huh? I pay taxes and about 4 % goes to govet employees salaries, maybe everyone should check their TAX BILL!!! and get up and find out what you want.

#1.2.1 Mike Buffington on 02/09/09 at 12:38 PM [Reply]

Newspapers are a link between government and the people; we provide information, that's our role. We didn't raise the issue of the pay cuts or the Archer study, that was done by county leaders who are looking to cut costs. Our info was published so that the public could see first-hand what the discussion was about.
Thanks for commenting.
Mike Buffington
Co-Publisher

#2 Anonymous on 02/04/09 at 04:15 PM [Reply]

its about damn time

#3 Anonymous on 02/04/09 at 07:16 PM [Reply]

Thank you Chairman and Commissioners for aksing questions, which initiated this resignation.

This should be just the beginning.

Shouldn't the Human Resources Director, be held accountable? This proves that his unqualified, unexperienced, overpaid cousin should be the next to go. Then the rest of their "family and friends" should be investigated.

You have started to build a county to be be proud of, please do not stop now.

#3.1 lucinda on 02/05/09 at 02:52 PM [Reply]

I totally agree! Let's start at the top and go down!

#4 Anonymous on 02/04/09 at 07:18 PM [Reply]

Can this information be found on line, or only in the printed paper? I looked on line and did not find it.
"For more about Lee's resignation, the issue about the 2005 salary study and a complete list of Barrow government salaries, see this week's Barrow Journal"

#4.1 Mike Buffington on 02/04/09 at 07:51 PM [Reply]

The full story and other related data is in the printed edition this week.
Mike Buffington
Co-Publisher

#4.2 Anonymous on 02/05/09 at 05:49 PM [Reply]

You should buy the paper. The salary breakdown was VERY interesting.

Good job new BOC members and Yearwood. Maybe now the rest of the rats will jump ship.

#5 Anonymous on 02/04/09 at 10:21 PM [Reply]

TO: Barrow Chair & the Commissioners: Please make a solid decision on a replacement for Mr. Lee. Barrow needs the most educated, experienced and polished person to hold this position. This is essential during these desperate economic times...

#5.1 Anonymous on 02/05/09 at 03:14 PM [Reply]

All of the major staff from planning, plublic works,HR and Fiance should have a degree. A dregree does not make them smart, but if they want the high pay with experience they should put in the work. Removing people who do work will do nothing, but make things worse.The salary issue in bacause Barrow County is now considered Metro Atlanta,and they do need to hire and retain the best people, whith out them driving 20 min down the road.

#5.1.1 Anonymous on 02/05/09 at 05:57 PM [Reply]

Metro Atlanta? Atlanta doesn't claim Barrow County. They stop at Gwinnett. Athens barely claims Barrow; Barrow is looked at as the black sheep of the area. Hopefully Yearwood and the new BOC members will break the "good ole boy system" and clean up our image.

#5.2 ANONYMOUS on 02/09/09 at 07:53 AM [Reply]

IF WE'RE HURTING THAT BAD MONEY THAT 200,000.00 SHOULD HELP DON'T YA THINK???????

#6 C. M. Thornton, III on 02/05/09 at 09:24 AM [Reply]

The county's inept finance director needs to be replaced as well. Fiscal mismanagement? Start with the person who balances the checkbook.

#7 concerned on 02/05/09 at 09:28 AM [Reply]

why fill Lee.s position. If we are in such dire needs for
money to be saved then left Yearwood do the job. When you
look at the salaries take a good look at what people like
the lady who runs Keep Barrow Beautiful makes for taking
calls and telling other people what to do. But of course if I made that kind of money to do nothing , I wouldn't complain. Seems like we are focusing on stuff like cutting money on publci safety and not on other things. Everyone wants to save money but when that fire truck or that police car dosen't arrive because of furloughs or pay cuts, we would be the first to call and complain to the local paper or department head. Seems like Winder got in right this week by leaving public safety alone. You better bet fires and criminals don't furlough or stop working cause fire and police positions are not full.

#7.1 Deb on 02/05/09 at 09:04 PM [Reply]

How can anyone justify cutting public saftey salaries? They risk their lives every day some die for us, and that's their thanks? Selfishly, I don't want to call 911 and be told they all left to counties who are willing to pay them. What are you thinking? I thought after 9-11 we as a society finally began to appreciate the fire fighter, law officers and military. How quickly we forget.

Instead of cutting vital personell salaries, we need to find out why we need to. We need to follow the president's example and cut the people who are over paid, not those who were already shamfully under paid. They deserve an award, not punishment.

I think it's wrong to publish a non-elected person's salary, but at least we can see who needed a cut and who didn't.

#7.1.1 ANONYMOUS on 02/09/09 at 07:59 AM [Reply]

I AGREE TOTALLY, PUBLIC SAFTEY SHOULD NOT BE CUT BECAUSE OF ALL OF THIS MESS. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU NEED THAT FIRE TRUCK OR AMBULANCE? WHAT ABOUT THE POLICE? THE FIRE/EMT DEPT IS ALREADY UNDERSTAFFED AS IT IS DO YOU STILL WANT TO CUT THEM? DANNY YEARWOOD DOES. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU CALL 911 AND NO ONE ANSWERS BECAUSE OF CUT BACKS? SOME OF THE SHIFTS FOR THE POLICE DEPT ARE RUNNING ON VERY FEW DEPUTYS THAT'S A SHAME THAT THE NEW COMMISSONER IS WANTING TO CUT ALL THIS.......

#8 A True Concerned Citizen on 02/05/09 at 06:42 PM [Reply]

Barrow County has wasted money for many many years for their pet projects for their family and friends to benefit from. HR director and KBB director are some of the recipients of the county giving to their favorites. KBB's job consists of watering the plants in the morning at the annex then leaving in her really nice car for, God's knows what. The Civic Center idea is a complete waste of time. Barrow does not, especially now, have the infrastructure to support such a facility. Barrow can barely sustain then few gathering places they have now. From what I understand the project still is on the SPLOST project to do list. Lets use that money somewhere else where we can save other monies to help with the projected deficit.

#9 Anonymous on 02/05/09 at 07:37 PM [Reply]

THANKS FOR PUBLISHING THE SALARY INFORMATION & THANKS FOR STARTING TO CLEAN UP BARROW COUNTY!!

GOOD JOB MR. YEARWOOD & NEW COMMISSIONERS, BECAUSE THE OLD ONES ALLOWED THIS TO HAPPEN

Based on the published salaries there are many overpaid county employees.

How does being a saleswoman qualify you to be a Human Resources Director, making $77,000?

How does working in a shipping department qualify you to be a real property appraiser, making $46,000?

Doesn't $49,000 for a billing administrator seem out of line? This person "may" be qualified but the salary does not fix the job. Oh yea, how long does management take for lunch???

Why was the position of risk manager created? I understand it was for a friend of management, and then to make $59,000?

What are the qualifications of a Water-field Tech III, that would warrant making $40,000? There is at least one that got the job because he was a friend of "again" management.

The above individuals are family or friends of top administrators. These individuals need to be fired. I am sure there are many more, if you just look.

Why was the BOC Chairman being paid $65,000 to approve these wrongful acts, while continuing to run his real estate business?

As a taxpayer, I feel the county should persue legal actions against these Directors, Managers, Administrators and BOC Chairman. There was many times that the Chairman would be tie breaker, in order to get what he wanted passed.

The amount of money overpaid in the last 5 year in salaries would make a big difference in our county budget and as taxpayers, everyone deserve it.

How much money would the county have if these wrongful acts had not been committed???

Please do not let these individuals steal from the county for 5 years and get away with it.

#9.1 Anonymous on 02/06/09 at 04:25 AM [Reply]

Some very good questions have been asked and need answers. But I can't help wondering how I'd feel if my name and what I make was published. Wouldn't title and salary have been better and served the purpose just as well? This accomplishes nothing but hard feelings when the person working beside them makes more than they do or as much as someone who's been on the job longer. Or embarrasment for how little they make.

I agree that cutting the jobs created by the good old boy system would make more sense than to cut the pay accross the board. The people I'm relying on to keep me safe deserve better. There are also people in non emergency jobs who work hard and have a legitimate position. I say if a position cannot be justified beyond being a friend or relative of the right person, that's where we can save money.

If what I hear is true about years of back property taxes that they're not trying to collect, and the airport owing a small fortune to the county, etc. maybe the person who's not doing thoses jobs should be next. Collecting that money would help. I know times are hard, and we hate to see people laid off or fired, but as my dear old Mom used to say, if a person is not taking care of their job, they must not need it.

#9.1.1 Mike Buffington on 02/06/09 at 06:30 AM [Reply]

The names were published because it's impossible to evaluate compensation in the abstract with titles. When people accept employment in the public sector — being paid by taxpayers — one of the things they know is that their compensation and personnel records are public records. Is it sometimes uncomfortable? Certainly. But ultimately, taxpayers have the right to see how their funds are being used and for whom.

#9.1.1.1 Anonymous on 02/06/09 at 07:03 AM [Reply]

So, I'd be okay to post your salary on your corporation's
Sockholder's report? They "Own" your company and "pay"
your salary.

#9.1.1.1.1 Mike Buffington on 02/06/09 at 08:00 AM [Reply]

We are not a public, taxpayer supported institution. We are all forced to pay taxes to support government; private enterprise does not have the ability to force people to pay them as governments do. That is HUGE difference.
Mike Buffington

#9.1.1.1.1.1 Just Wrong on 02/06/09 at 12:56 PM [Reply]

I have to agree with Anonymous 9.1 just because you can publish something doesn't make it right. You could have put the position and the salary and keep the names out.

#9.1.1.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 02/06/09 at 07:54 PM [Reply]

I agree. Printing names offers nothing of value. In fact, most of the salaries themselves are meaningless when taken out of context. A job title doesn't necessarily provide a complete picture of the job function or qualifications required to perform the job. What are the qualifications of these people, how many years of experience do they have with the county or in comparable positions outside of the county? Are these salaries comparable to those paid for the same positions in other similar counties? And is the problem with the salaries, or with the qualifications of the people who hold the positions? After all, Barrow County can't expect to attract and retain the best and brightest if we can't compete with other counties (or even the private sector in some cases). That said, let's make sure we are actually attracting and retaining the best and the brightest. And let's make sure we hold those responsible for hiring and paying them accountable when we go to the polls each year.

#9.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Mike Buffington on 02/06/09 at 08:08 PM [Reply]

The question of comparable salaries is interesting. We'll look into that.
Mike Buffington
Co-Publisher

#9.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 02/07/09 at 10:24 AM [Reply]

Job descriptions and salaries would have been beneficial. Names don't mean much. I would like to see that. Think your conact could get hold of those for us?

#9.1.1.1.1.1.2 Just Right on 02/07/09 at 12:12 PM [Reply]

You know what -- I'm glad they published the names. This county has been run on the good ole boy system where friends hire friends and family members hire family members REGARDLESS of their qualifications. OMG I don't know how many times I've been told -- watch what you say to >>>> because they are related to >>>>. Watch what you say about >>>> because they are related to >>>. So Yes, they should publish the names! And if a relative of yours (or your) name is published -- get over it. It comes with accepting a job in the public sector.

#9.1.1.2 Deb on 02/06/09 at 10:39 AM [Reply]

You're better than me if you can tell by a name what a
person does and if they deserve their salary. Do you
give lessons?

Isn't CEO a more descriptive than John Smith? I think
nosey people are trying to justify their interest.
People who truly qualified to evaluate and are a part of the solution, of course, need to know but the rest of us? I'm
just glad I don't work for the government.

#9.1.1.3 Ann on 02/06/09 at 12:45 PM [Reply]

I agree with Deb - you should have only printed
the names and salaries of dept heads instead of all
employees. What you should have done is showed the salary
range by department instead of printing everyone's name.
I know the salaries are public records but you should have
used a little common sense before printing this list. I use
to enjoy reading your paper but as of now I am cancelling my
subscription and will never pick up another one! If I were
the county employees, I will do the same! If someone wanted
to know the salaries then let them go and look it up!
By the way who gave you the information - could it be someone who was
upset and resigned from Barrow County? If I were an
employee of Barrow County, I would check and see if
something illegal has been done - if so - then take it
from there.

#9.1.1.4 county employee on 02/07/09 at 04:50 PM [Reply]

I'm curious Mike did you run this by your lawyer before publishing these records.
I believe the following law may apply putting you and your paper liable for the release of information
"O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72 (2008)

(11.3) (A) An individual's social security number, mother's birth name, credit card information, debit card information, bank account information, financial data or information, and insurance or medical information in all records, and if technically feasible at reasonable cost, day and month of birth, which shall be redacted prior to disclosure of any record requested pursuant to this article; provided, however, that such information shall not be redacted from such records if the person or entity requesting such records requests such information in a writing signed under oath by such person or a person legally authorized to represent such entity which states that such person or entity is gathering information as a representative of a news media organization for use in connection with news gathering and reporting; and provided, further, that such access shall be limited to social security numbers and day and month of birth; and provided, further, that this news media organization exception for access to social security numbers and day and month of birth and the other protected information set forth in this subparagraph shall not apply to teachers, employees of a public school, or public employees as set forth in paragraph (13.1) of this subsection. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "public employee" means any nonelected employee of the State of Georgia or its agencies, departments, or commissions or any county or municipality or its agencies, departments, or commissions.
"

#9.1.1.4.1 Mike Buffington on 02/07/09 at 08:31 PM [Reply]

Government employee names and salaries, along with personnel files, are open records and can be published. The section you refer to does not affect that.
Mike Buffington
Co-Publisher

#9.1.1.4.2 Andrew Hamilton on 02/08/09 at 02:32 AM [Reply]

Where did you go to law school, jack? Try getting an advisory opinion from the A.G. before you test your cut & paste skills next time. Even ol' Bill Healen, ex officio gadfly, ought to be able to tell you that dog won't hunt -- unless he is the shyster who fed who the inapplicable statute.

#9.2 Anonymous on 02/06/09 at 11:30 AM [Reply]

We all realize the salary stuff is not the issue, right?
It's just a symptom of a much bigger problem. There have
been a lot of remarks here about practices that are
unethical at best. For example, it's not what he's
making, but did someone create a bogus position to
help cousin George. What else would someone like that do?

Why concentrate on public safety? They are not the only
ones on the payroll. No raise is given or job created
without approval. There's where we need to look.

#9.3 employee defender on 02/06/09 at 04:01 PM [Reply]

I would like to take this chance to be different and defend the people that make this county operate, and MYSELF. It's hard to believe in our current economic state so many people would demand people they don't even know lose their jobs. But then again you can say anything when you can hide behind the name ANONYMOUS, well I guess I'll join in. Mr. or Mrs. ANONYMOUS I'm sure the place you work probably needs to save some money, so even though I don't have any idea what "warrants" your pay, or what you do, I'm suggesting YOU get fired. You're probably friends with your boss and thats really the only reason you're there anyway, they probably even just made your position up so you could have a job. I know the County needs to save money, and maybe even cut jobs, but is that really a position YOU want to take? Informing someone they no longer have an income for their family, probaly not, you can't be ANONYMOUS. And by the way if you want to know what "WARRANTS" my pay my name is CLINT CANNON, FIELD TECH III, I work for the Barrow County Water Authority. Our address is 106 Lanthier St. in Winder and our phone number is 770-307-3014, I'd love to explain.

#9.3.1 Anonymous on 02/07/09 at 07:45 AM [Reply]

*******The bit dog barks*******

If you are "qualified" and received your job "without favortism", why do you think you have to warrant your job?

#9.3.2 Anonymous on 02/10/09 at 08:56 PM [Reply]

Are they going to allow the HR Director to continue employment, when she should have never been given the job, because she is NOT QUALIFIED?

Is the BOC going to discharge the unqualified employees that were given a job because there were family or friends of the Lee's and Birt's?

Looking at the salaries, there are quite a few that should receive a cut in pay, are salaries going to be adjusted, based on qualifications, experience and years of service?

Please Keep the Citizens informed of what is being dong to bring justice to Barrow County.

We look forward to further actions to be taken.

#10 Barrow resident on 02/06/09 at 09:08 AM [Reply]

Keith Lee would be wise to keep a very low profile for a while. With true working families struggling to make ends meet, this guy gives himself a criminal level of a raise. What nerve this joker has. Hit the road jack!

#11 Anonymous on 02/06/09 at 11:09 AM [Reply]

Mike...I agree. I think that there is a lot of people forgetting that the government employees work for us..

#11.1 Ann on 02/06/09 at 02:01 PM [Reply]

Yes - the government employees works for us and I am glad
that someone has started looking at salaries but would you
like to have your salary posted for everyone to see?
Isn't this invading their privacy or is there any privacy
left in this world? People just use some common sense!!

#11.1.1 Anonymous on 02/06/09 at 04:03 PM [Reply]

My GOD would you people listen to yourselves??? Ann writes: "Would you like to have your salary posted for everyone to see? It doesn't MATTER if we would like it; if you work for a public entity and get paid by public tax money, then your salary (and its association with your name) are PUBLIC! If you do not like it, your option is to work in the private sector.

#11.1.1.1 deb on 02/06/09 at 06:47 PM [Reply]

The fact remains there is no ligitimate reason to post names except to sell a few papers. And folks are falling for it. I did not read others personal information and in the future I will be buying a news paper who has the talent to report real news and does not have to resort to this.

#11.2 Timmy on 02/06/09 at 08:03 PM [Reply]

Work for us? So if I work for Barrow County and pay taxes on my home here, I'm self employed? Don't be so quick to throw out "They work for us or I pay your salary", unless you want someone to tell you they're self employed next time you run your mouth!!

#12 C.M. Thornton, III on 02/06/09 at 05:18 PM [Reply]

If a county employee lives within the county and paid taxes, does that make them self-employeed?

#12.1 Sam on 02/06/09 at 09:45 PM [Reply]

No,self-employed means paying for your own benefits,paying your own taxes and matching part of your employee's taxes,making sure the money coming in to support your business and pretty much putting your life's saving on the line. Because you pay taxes doesn't mean you own the roads or the schools or the water or sewage systems either. So anyone who pays taxes has a small stake in the government !!

#13 Pete on 02/07/09 at 07:25 AM [Reply]

Employees: Yes you were given raises 3 years ago only because the Chief Administrator and his Deputy Assistant personally wanted to benefit. After receiving years of cost of living raises, one would question why such a large amount. Raises at the percentage that were given by the Archer Study do not happen in the real world.

It is hard to hear the complaints from employees that our tax dollars pay. I remember the uproar when the commissioners cut salaries very conservative last month.

No single person or family has not been affected by this economy. Jobs now at $8.00 an hour are a premium. Look at the figures nationally for lay-offs. Please count your blessings and remember that there are many jobless now that will have to pay your salary with taxes. Also, there are many going from a very high salary standing in line for the $8.00 an hour premium jobs. We are tired of hearing complaints from the very well paid employees.

#13.1 Noneyabiz on 02/09/09 at 06:18 AM [Reply]

Pete, I want you to know that not everyone got the raises you and a few others believe they did. I for one have been with the county for a good long while and am just getting by as are others. Some of the big salaries I agree are nonsense but others are not really what you might think. Maybe we should start publishing salaries in the private sector. This might make you and a few others think before putting your mouth in motion. Think about it, would you put your life on the line daily for what the deputies make? Just how much is it worth? Think about it.....

#14 Bill Healan on 02/07/09 at 10:24 AM [Reply]

Neither Keith Lee, Michael Fisher, Beth Horacek, Norma Jean Brown nor any other barrow County emoloyee who is not elected can raise anyone's pay. Continue to spew out your venom, drive off our brightest employees and see where our county goes. Our current commissioners are to be commended for trying to deal with the state of the economy. They, however, are parttimers. They cannot and should not try to run the day-to-day activities of a $35 million business.
Department heads, administrators and staff are all employees. They don't set their own salaries. Stop the attacks! Maybe then we can go about the difficult and important job of dealing with the real menace; THE ECONOMY.

#14.1 One Last Comment... on 02/07/09 at 11:38 PM [Reply]

Could some of the departmental increase percents be because the county has grown and there was a need for increased staff? Do we really have only 40 deputies? Does that include the guards at the jail? Lets see, covering the entire county 24/7/365 - how many shifts? -- that sounds like they are stretched pretty thin. Maybe the additional funds were to hire more deputies and someone got the story wrong. I hope so. I'd feel safer.

That Archer study/raises were done what? four years ago? For one thing, the economic climate was much different then. Come on, no one saw things like $5 gas coming or the drought lasting 10 years. Why were the raises approved? Were we losing employees to other jobs that paid better? Do they get regular, scheduled raises like most employees in the private sector? When was their last raise before that? I heard in the news that teachers went years without a raise. (Speaking of teachers, someone told me they didn't remember seeing teachers' salaries.) Were salaries raised so we could compete for the best employees, or were a small percentage (like the relatives and friends mentioned) given raises?

We must have some faith in our elected officials, or they wouldn't be in office, so let's back off and let them do their jobs.

By the way, the job may be part time as Mr Healan says, but you have to remember, they knew that when they took it and I'd hope they knew their responsibilities. When one puts oneself in that position, more is expected and required. I'm on salary. That means I work whatever hours it takes to do my job. Wouldn't elected officials be in the same position? Especially if the county is in near emergency status as it appears to be. I can hear the president now. "Half the country's unemployed? Fort Knox is out of Gold? Sorry, it's quiting time hope it works out for you." Sorry, sarcasm just slips out. I have no control over it.

Frankly, I don't know if Mr Lee did a good job or not, but for the position, his salary was not out of line for a comprable position in the private sector. I know we pay the salaries with our taxes, but we can't all run the govenment's day-to-day business.

Any government employee (not elected) should be managed by his boss, not me. That boss should be trustworthy to do the right thing, not abuse his/her power, and ensure thier department heads are too. Now if the elected "boss" is not doing his job, that's a whole other matter. That's what recalls are for.

Surely how ever many people it took to elect the commissioners weren't wrong. I think our commissioners are capable of dealing with this difficult situation. We've all given advice, some of it very good. It's time to sit back not and give them a chance to earn their pay.

#15 Sheryl on 02/07/09 at 10:56 AM [Reply]

Excellent story! What a trip how this came to light! I can NOT believe that ANYBODY was boneheaded enough to let $30K raises just go right by!

This county needs work and it's time to get the leeches out!

#16 Anonymous on 02/07/09 at 11:11 AM [Reply]

Maybe you should have addressed the issues while you were in office!

#17 Anon on 02/08/09 at 07:27 AM [Reply]

Mike,
As a county employee on your "list" in the paper, nowhere do I see the actual yearly salary of the employee. Mine, for one, is off several thousand dollars. You wrongly portray me as a high paid employee, when in fact it only looks that way because I worked overtime. I would greatly appreciate an adjustment to the article. Also, to be fair, it should also state how long the employee has worked for Barrow County. If your are going to allow your people to do investigative reporting, please advise them to do the "investigate" part.

#17.1 Mike Buffington on 02/08/09 at 08:17 AM [Reply]

The report was yearly wages, including overtime, bonus pay, etc. That's the bottom line in pay, not just the base salary.
Mike Buffington

#18 Anonymous on 02/08/09 at 11:10 AM [Reply]

I will keep it simple! As a private taxpayer, thanks Mike, info. we have the right to know.

Thank YOU!

#18.1 Timmy on 02/08/09 at 09:10 PM [Reply]

You have the right to know and the right to be TOO LAZY to get the information yourself...must not have wanted it as bad as you wanted that twinkie!!

#18.1.1 MKR on 02/09/09 at 05:39 PM [Reply]

Not everyone has the time or ability to dig through records.

#18.1.1.1 Timmy on 02/10/09 at 10:17 AM [Reply]

If the salaries were that important to you, you would make time. The only ability needed is to be able to read and write to complete forms. Say it with me now "I'm Lazy!"

#18.1.1.1.1 MKR on 02/10/09 at 01:12 PM [Reply]

You're projecting your own (apparently minor) limitations to everyone who might have a stake in knowing these things.

This is not good.

#19 Rikki on 02/08/09 at 09:11 PM [Reply]

You people who say "I pay your salary" are the same idiots who think you should get out of a "ticket" because "I know Jud" or don't get your way and say "Do I need to call Jud". As a person of integrity you people who "Grew up with somebody who made something out of their self, even though I never did and now maybe I'll get a handout from him" make me sick!!

#20 SAM KNOWS IT ALL on 02/09/09 at 10:53 AM [Reply]

another one bites the DUST!!!!!! there goes another one Guy Herring!!!!!

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