NorCo Budget Includes 14 Position Upgrades

As part of the new budget that goes into effect next year, Northampton County Council has approved 14 position upgrades. These are people who will be receiving raises above and beyond the two per cent annual increases for career service employees.

Some of these are getting just one additional step. Executive Lamont McClure has no obligation to seek Council approval for single step increases. But I like the increased transparency. This keeps both Council and the public informed. Also, these modest increases are a start on correcting pay disparity in Northampton County.

Unfortunately, there is all too often a "What about me?" reaction when some, but not all, people are recognized. That was on display Thursday night when a human services worker objected to step increases for recent hires. He neglected to point out that more senior workers like himself received a step increase the previous year. When one complains about the good fortune of others, he is really just condemning himself to misery.

- Two persons are being promoted from Auditor II to Lead Auditor in the Controller's office from CS25-B ($54,855) to CS28A ($62,978). Given the educational requirements and salaries for similar positions elsewhere, this is long overdue. Both Bucky Szulborski and his predecessor, Steve Barron, have always had high praise for the very professional staff in that office.

- One person is being promoted from Recruitment Specialist (CS17-B, $37,955) to Recruitment Specialist and Data Entry Specialist (CS19-A, $39,822) in Human Resources. The person in this position was saddled with all kinds of important duties but was not being compensated.

- The Payroll Administrator II is being promoted from CS22-A, $45,723 to CS22-C, $49,931. This is the person who makes sure everyone gets paid.

- The Deputy Director of Administration is being promoted from CS24-A ($50,130) to CS24-B ($52,386). Becky Bartlett does an outstanding job of keeping the public informed of what is happening in Northampton County.

- The Director of Community and Economic Development, Tina Smith, is going from CE05-A ($87,100) to CE05-B ($91,020).

- The Register of Wills, Gina Gibbs, will be increased from from CS27-B ($60,145) to CS27-C ($62,851). This corrects an inequity in which she missed a step increase.

- One Assistant Public Defender will see a salary increase from CE04-C ($79,117) to CE04-D ($82,678).

- Director of Public Works Mike Emili will go from CE06-A ($95,499) to CE06-B ($99,796). Emili is a seasoned engineer who worked in both the private sector and for Bethlehem. He has been incredibly busy with the county's P3 project.

- Recycling Coordinator Serena Davis will see a salary increase from from CS23-C ($52,283) to C23-D ($54,635).

- Ass't Director of Nursing from CS29-H ($82,179) to CS31-G ($94,204).

- Ass't Director of Nursing from CS29-C ($68,912) to CS31-B ($72,304).

- Gracedale Business Office Manager from CS25-B ($54,855) to CS25-C ($57,323).

- Gracedale Lead Accountant from CS28-A ($60,266) to CS28-B ($62,978).