HomeMy WebLinkAbout16 Human ResourcesCITY OF SAN BERNARDINO - REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
From: EDWARD S. RAYA Subject: POLICE RECORDS
TRANSCRIBER
Dept: HUMAN RESOURCES ORIGINAL SALARY UPGRADE
Date: NOVEMBER 3, 1998
Synopsis of Previous Council Action:
In November 1995, the Mayor and Common Council approved the new part -time
classification of Police Records Transcriber.
On November 23, 1998 the Personnel Committee recommended this item for approval.
Recommended Motion:
1. Adopt the five -step salary range for Police Records Transcriber: $11.00 - $11.55
- $12.13 - $12.73 - $13.37 /hour.
2. Increase the hourly salary of all current City of San Bernardino Police Records
Transcribers to $11.00 /hour.
3. Direct the Human Resources Department to update Resolution 6413, Section
Thirteen, to reflect this particular action.
signature
Contact Person: Edward S. Raya Phone: 384 -5161
Supporting Data Attached:
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS
Council Notes:
Yes Ward:
Amount: $4,000 Increase Year One
Source: (Acct No) 001 - 222 -5014
(Acct
Finan
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CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO - REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
STAFF REPORT
BACKGROUND
In November 1995, the Transcription Section of the Records Division was reorganized
to employ part-time court reporters earning a flat salary of $10.00 /hour. The established
salary was the same as Buena Park's Police Department, after which the reorganization
was modeled.
A recent survey of Southland police agencies (including Buena Park) employing part-
time court reporters indicates transcriber salaries have increased, making San
Bernardino Police Department less competitive in attracting and retaining qualified
personnel.
ANALYSIS
In August 1998, the Human Resources Department conducted a salary survey of four
(4) Southland police agencies employing part-time court reporters as transcribers (see
Attachment A). The survey shows the San Bernardino Police Department's salary of
$10.00 hour as the lowest, ranging from 11.2% to 40% less.
The survey was conducted because recruitment and retention of court reporters had
become a problem. Recruitment cycles produced few applicants, and nearly half of
those hired since November 1995 have left, some after less than six months.
Staff, as well as work output, has suffered because the hiring and training of a
transcriber takes several months. During training, staff is affected because a senior
transcriber must assist the trainee and this reduces productivity. The resulting tape
backlogs have caused the need for overtime and outsourcing.
The proposed change in salary is still below the market average, but the department is
confident that the more competitive salary structure will allow the department to retain
competent qualified court reporters.
Staff is proposing a five -step police transcriber salary range as follows:
STEP SALARY
Step 1
$11.00 /hour
Step 2
$11.55 /hour
Step 3
$12.13 /hour
Step 4
$12.73 /hour
Step 5
$13.37 /hour
It is recommended that the steps be granted based on the current pay plan for other
City employees, i.e., hire at Step 1, go to Step 2 in 6 months, annual increases
thereafter.
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The Human Resources Department suggests starting all currently employed court
reporters at Step 1, an immediate increase of $1.00 /hour. Thereafter, increases would
be based both on tenure and merit.
The increased cost of the proposed salary changes will be approximately $4,000 for the
balance of fiscal year 1998 -99. It is estimated the maximum additional costs in FY
1999 -2000 will be $12,500. Most likely, the cost will be less due to variance in
workload, position vacancies and timing of future step increases.
All additional expenses incurred as a result of this reorganization will be absorbed within
the existing Police Department budget allocation (overtime and outsourcing costs will be
reduced, which will free up funds within the Police Department budget).
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the foregoing, recommendations include:
1. Adopt a five -step salary range for Police Records Transcriber: $11.00 - $11.55 -
$12.13 - $12.73 - $13.37 /hour.
2. Increase the hourly salary of all current City of San Bernardino Police Records
Transcribers to $11.00 /hour.
3. Direct the Human Resources Department to update Resolution 6413, Section
Thirteen, to reflect this particular action.
ATTACHMENT A
POLICE TRANSCRIBER
SURVEY
city
Title
Pay Scale
Transcriptionist
$12.00 /hour -
Buena Park
(PIT)
$14.00 /hour
Secretary/Stenographer
$11.22 /hour -
Downey
(P/T)
$13.90 /hour
Transcriber
$12.00 /hour
Colton
(P/T)
Police Records Clerk II/
$12.21 /hour -
Santa Ana
Stenographer
$14.84 /hour
P/T
Police Transcriber
$10.00 /hour
San Bernardino
(P/T)
10/07/98