5.2. ERMUSR 10-11-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DISCUSSION: Staff has begun compiling survey data. Many of the utilities have not finalized or even started discussion on wages for 2012. Because of this, a discussion focused around these survey numbers would be premature. Due to their preliminary nature, these survey results have not been provided. However, this preliminary data would be available to the Commissioners at their request. During the surveying process it was discovered that Shakopee Public Utilities has developed a very successful method for addressing wages and benefits. Shakopee formed a committee assembled of management and commissioners to assess wages and benefits annually. There aze a number of reasons why this method is intriguing for ERMU. First, there is sensitive and confidential wage and benefit survey data available from American Public Power Association and Minnesota Municipal Utility Association that would be beneficial in assessment of wage and benefit consideration. However, this data proves difficult to represent effectively in a public meeting due to their sensitive and confidential nature. This information would be well suited for committee review. Second, prior to 2009 there was concern voiced by legal counsel regarding dialogue between non-management staff and the commission. This resulted in addressing wage and benefit analysis over two sepazate commission meetings. An unintended consequence of this change was a negative impact on open communication. Unfortunately this freeze on direct discussion has negatively strained the work environment. Having a committee would create a forum for questions, concerns, and dialogue which wouldn't be direct negotiation between staff and the governing body. For these reasons, management has had some discussions on how a "recommending" committee could be successfully implemented at ERMU. It is believed that this could be very effective in analyzing information and making that best represent the business goals of ERMU and the customers we serve. ACTION REQUESTED: Staff requests the Commission form a Wage and Benefits Committee.