Brewer Asks About Commission vs. Automatic Salary Model
Brewer asks whether a commission-based approach is preferable to automatic salary adjustments. Weisbroad argues commissions allow contextual judgment, especially during crises, and are used by state legislatures and the federal government.
And just finally, one other question.
Around the country, I guess, in some cases, there is automatic as opposed to commission.
In other words, you say, but I think here because...
I guess from 89, commission was the way to go, even though it wasn't constituted.
Do you think that is a good idea as opposed to just an automatic based on whatever criteria is brought up?
Yes, I do.
I think that...
You're right that some cities do use an automatic method of just increasing compensation based on cost of living or whatever other factors.
But I do believe, and I think my fellow commissioners also believe that.
A commission that takes a hard look at this and also reflects the context of where the city is at a given time
is much more appropriate.
Many state legislatures also use a commission, as does the federal government.
And so there may be instances where, for one reason or another, a crisis...
Perhaps something like the time of around 9-11 or COVID or a similar crisis, where even though the cost of living may have temporarily spiked,
a commission would not recommend an equivalent increase in compensation because
the cost of living was temporary or the spike was temporary or the city's finances were in such terrible shape that it didn't make sense to do that.
And it would be a bad reflection on a whole host of other factors.
So, yes, I do think a commission is a much better idea.
That's very helpful.
Do any of my colleagues have questions?
I don't think so.
Anybody?
Okay.
Thank you very much, Carl Weissbroad, for everything.
More than I can ever say.