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Can someone from our agency please stand up for us like the sheriff does?? If not the chief then how about that union we pay into?? Two years now the sheriff has got money for his crew. 5 years now all we've done is gotten hosed and screwed over.


MANATEE -- Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube proposed a $3 million pay increase Thursday for his employees that would help bring their beginning salaries up to more competitive levels in the next year, he said.

The money would help the sheriff's office to match entry-level salaries of other area agencies based on a 2011 survey, said Tom Salisbury, comptroller.

The survey indicated sheriff's employees were 7 percent behind the minimum of the ranges, based on 70 jobs reviewed, said Carolyn Long, senior vice president of the Management Advisory Group, Inc., of Lake Ridge, Va., a salary and compensation consultant.

"Remember that we are kind of way behind, so we're trying to bring them back up," she told the Manatee County Commission during a workshop session at County Administrative Center.

"I think this will staunch the bleeding," she added, noting that sheriff's deputies have been leaving Manatee County because salaries are so low here.

In order to bring Manatee County workers to more competitive levels based on 2012 parameters, the department would need about 5 percent, or about $1.5 million to $1.8 million in additional money, for a total of about $4.5 million to $4.8 million combined, Salisbury said.

In a 2013 comparison showing salaries of 15 agencies, Manatee County was last at $38,498 net salary; Pinellas Park Police Department eighth, at $40,517; and Hillsborough Sheriff's Office first, at $44,571, according to sheriff's office documents.

The sheriff said he would also like to hire at least 20 deputies a year until his workforce reaches staffing based on south Atlantic region recommended ratios, Salisbury said after the meeting.

Commissioners were sympathetic when Steube voiced frustration over continuing budget troubles.

"I would recommend we focus on solving these issues, not lowering taxes as our goal," said Commissioner Michael Gallen.

"I still believe that doing nothing is not an option," said Commission Chairman Larry Bustle.

"How far can you stretch the rubber band before it breaks?" asked Commissioner Vanessa Baugh.

Last year, the commission provided Steube $3.2 million to remedy "pay compression" -- when more experienced workers fall behind newer ones in pay.

Sara Kennedy, Herald reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7031. Follow her on Twitter @sarawrites.com.

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Time to get rid of the PBA. Union needs to talk to the Council and bypass HR

UNION??????????bwaaahahahahahaha :devil:

That's funny....IMO, one of the Union reps is in the pocket of the City....think he really cares if people below his rank get anything....LMFAO

The Chief will not fight for us, that's for sure.

All you have to do is sign on the bottom line giving away your pension, and we will give you 3%....Oh and the next year we will take 6%. Thanks, COB

The city is trying to flash quick and easy money in your face. With the slight of hand that you dont see, they get their greedy hands on your pension, your future, your families future.
Dont let the city fool you. Show them you are smarter than that.

The city is trying to flash quick and easy money in your face. With the slight of hand that you dont see, they get their greedy hands on your pension, your future, your families future.
Dont let the city fool you. Show them you are smarter than that.

Couldn't have been said better!

Elk members, like Dan Tabor, praised Poston for revitalizing downtown Bradenton, Poston said he is most proud of the increase in pay for firefighters and police since he took office in 2000.

"When I came into office, all of these guys were working two jobs," Poston said.

Poston also said a decision he made to assigned Carl Callahan, his chief of staff and treasurer, to deal with his department heads so he could "handle the big picture stuff," has worked out well.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2013/03/25/445 ... rylink=cpy

Hey Mayor you left out the fact that you haven't given Polce a raise since 2000! Chief of Staff is another title for henchman for CC who makes sure through HR that we will not get a fair shake like BFD or City employees.

Hey Mayor we are still working 2 jobs 13 years later!

What is going on with our contract? We need a new union and reps!