Printer-friendly version
PDF version(UNEDITED) In a recent article, Mr. Trentelman made reference to our fire employees here at Ogden City. We are very proud of all our very hard working employees and make every effort to pay them competitively. In the article, he referenced a comparison of the rate of pay of Ogden and Layton City firefighters. The amount stated was inaccurate. Currently, there is only a 2% difference in a beginning firefighter's total compensation at both cities. An Ogden
firefighter's total compensation range is $54,645 - $70,416. A Layton firefighter's total compensation range is $55,761 - $74,260. Again, I emphasize appreciation for not only our firefighters, but for all Ogden City employees.
Mark L. Johnson
Management Services Director, Ogden
More misrepresentations from Ogden Administration
Gee Mark,
While your blowing smoke, why dont you mention the Pay for Performance plan implementated by the City Administration three years ago that has never been funded (because of Administrations priorities). That means that there have been no automatic step increases even though the employees have met and are expected to meet performance expectations only to be told that there is no money available for Pay for Performance. Where is the commitment to fund the so called valued employees Mark? et
I also wonder why the Fire departmant has had to test several times a year, and has such a large number of employees leaving for other departments who truley value the employees, not to mention many of the firefighters now leaving are seasoned employees with upwards of ten years service to a city who's administration thinks of employees as nothing but a liablility.
And while I'm at it, why dont you compare total compensation when you blather about Administration pay and compensation?
It's pretty easy to inflate compensation when you value your benefits at astronomical amounts. Compare Apples with Apples.
I am pretty sure that the Employees of Ogden City would value an Administration who really does value the employees, rather than give lip service in the media.
$34,032 per year
http://archive.ogdencity.com/phprofession+index-cmd-Details-jcode-252.html
The job listing is on the city's website.
Mark, if the pay is so competitive, why is the city testing for the second time in less than a year?
I'd also like to remind Mr.
I'd also like to remind Mr. Johnson that any Ogden City firefighter that has been at the department for less than seven years still makes the starting compensation that he referenced. If you were to compare wages for a 5th year Ogden firefighter to a 5th year Layton firefighter the widening gap would be painfully obvious. I urge Mr. Johnson to not use 'compensation range' to cloud the real issues at hand, if the employees are as appreciated as he says, then they are owed that honesty.
Clarification on Clarification
In a recent letter to the editor Mr. Johnson elucidated the compensation ranges for Ogden city firefighters. While I appreciate all that Mr. Johnson has done, and continues to do, for this city, I feel compelled to clarify that Mr. Johnson articulates an inaccurate and aggrandizing perspective. First, the term "compensation" is misconstrued: if we are to utilize "compensation" as a substitute for salary, then shouldn't the city's job postings be advertised by "compensation" and not by salary? Shouldn't city workers receive their annual W2 forms with their "compensation range" identified on their earnings?
While I am a great admirer of Mr. Johnson it nonetheless seems that his clarification is indeed an error of semantics: salary does not equal compensation and by subsuming salary into a broader scheme of overall benefits does not excuse the fact that Ogden city employees (including firefighters) do not receive the financial equity they deserve.
One final thought: upon reflecting on the issue of "compensation" for city employees, I am curious about what Mr. Johnson or Mayor Godfrey's compensation range would be (including the vehicle allowances, fuel allowances, and all the other "perks" they enjoy with their positions).
I look forward to the next clarification.
--Captain 0bvious